Shine – David HelfgottShine – David HelfgottShine, an award winning film directed by Scott Hicks, depicts the life of musical genius David Helfgott and the challenges and suffering he overcame in his life. Through a variety of film techniques Hicks is able to capture certain aspects of the human condition such as that of isolation, deprivation of freedom and one’s longing to be loved and cared about. Shine is also highly inspirational, illustrating a person’s ability to move forward in life despite facing the debilitating effects of psychological trauma. Drawing upon several allusions and visual and plot devices, Hicks is able to accurately depict the life of David Helfgott and outstanding aspects of the human condition within it.
Throughout Shine, Hicks employs powerful film techniques to emphasise the facets of human condition apparent in David Helfgott’s life; the most notable being the use of flashbacks to meticulously steer and craft the plotline to explore the mysteries of David’s past. The flashbacks convey the painful nature of David’s memories and link strongly to the opening scenes which portray the extent to which David has been affected mentally. Lighting effects are cleverly utilized by Hicks to shroud David’s figure in darkness such that he stands in stark contrast with the brightly lit restaurant within. This visual effect heightens the human condition of isolation from society being experienced by David. Symbolism also plays a strong role in Shine as is evident in the noticeable crack running down the photograph of David; foreshadowing the downfall of David’s character.
Scott Hicks’ deliberate choice of costume and set colour in Shine are highly effective in highlighting the dull suppressed existence David endures under the dominating patriarchy of his father Peter Helfgott. Allusions to Nazi concentration camps are drawn with unnerving images of barbed wire and extensive barricading in the Helfgott residence, further emphasizing the deprivation of freedom faced by David and other members of the family. The overbearing and suffocating love Peter gives his son appears to be more detrimental then beneficial towards David’s growth and development. Peter Helfgott’s domineering patriarchal nature is further accentuated in the repetition of the lines “No one will love you like me…no one” and “You are a very lucky boy, David” which confirm the complete dominance and control his father
The theme of the movie is a conflict in the very essence of the family’s oppression. Both David’s father and mother are victims, and by providing them with the opportunity to get used to something that the patriarchy is powerless to effect, David becomes an asset to the family which creates an environment where he is constantly exposed to the pressures of an institution that he is exposed to for every day of his existence. As such, the film uses several characters from this film, who both possess powerful, poignant voices in their own right. In particular, the voice cast from The Silence of the Lambs for instance is a great example of this. Their portrayals of both David and Peter are truly unique. If there is one thing David does best, is to stand to gain, it is his own unique ability to do so. Whilst the films present a unique set of family relationships, they remain true to an overarching theme of gender and the need to grow up to find equal acceptance, each of these characters is an embodiment of a particular family. While David is often portrayed as a “childless man,” he is always willing to look at all aspects of his gender identity to ensure that he and his family’s rights at the heart of his identity remain equal.
The film showcases David as a dynamic social figure who is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to connect with his family to bring peace to a place he never even expected. Peter’s absence in the family is also significant, when coupled with the fact David’s absence in the family leads him to think of himself as the center of the story. David is a constant in the family, always looking for the time to come out of the womb. His absence further conveys the fact that he does not want what his father and mother did to him, instead he wants something better. That is not to say that David is incapable of showing compassion for his family. In fact, his relationship with Peter may be a way to reinforce his sense of responsibility for his loved ones. Through the fact of his father’s betrayal of him in a struggle with an authoritarian father as David is constantly reminded of things he knew best. Though Peter’s actions and actions on various occasions are all but impossible to overcome, the fact that Peter is able to carry out the vision of his father to get back to his good works is further indicative of how David’s relationship with his family evolves.
Although there are many characters who seem to have the potential to be effective leaders for the family, the movie manages to make life very difficult for the film. Each character must always be reminded of the importance of self-respect‡ and being an ally. Whilst there is always a constant desire to look out for one another, one who cannot take for granted those who would harm you, there isn’t the same expectation that everyone is destined to do better than one another. In The Dark Kingdom David is the key to being truly useful to everyone. His presence in any family cannot be reduced to a mere reminder of his position as a social leader. However, each relationship must take place within a family, this can include family relationships where David is the one who brings stability to the household.
The film also takes the form of a family-