Mark Twain
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The Motorcycle Diaries by Walter Salles and Rabbit-Proof Fence by Phillip Noyce are so similar yet so different. The two films depict the journey of two very dissimilar groups of people. However, there are certain parallels between the two; both thematically and stylistically.
Each film suggests that physical journeys are initiated with the intention that an inner change or development will occur. However the catalyst for this change is not purely the movement from one place to another, but also includes the path of the physical journey. This pathway is shaped by the obstacles and challenges that arise, as well as the way they are overcome.
The characters in both films undertake their physical journey in an effort to escape their life and circumstances that they were previously in, albeit for different reasons. Ernesto and Alberto in The Motorcycle Diaries took their journey to make something of themselves and their lives; to experience the world as they did not “want to end up like that” with that being an elderly man asleep on the table. They expected to change both themselves and their direction in life, as they will have a greater appreciation of the world. In some sense, this is similar to the girls in Rabbit-Proof Fence. The girls took their journey to return home and to their mother, so they did not have to assimilate to white culture and so they were not stripped of their identity. While they did not take their journey simply to travel and see the world, they would change in a way that they would have a greater awareness of the importance of family and culture. They too could have resulted with a new direction in life.
In any physical journey, perseverance is vital to complete it. However, it can be extremely difficult to persevere without any external encouragement. In Rabbit-Proof Fence symbolism is used to provide that message of support. There is a connection set up between Molly and her mother through the totem bird. Molly is told “He will always look after you”. The totem bird then becomes a symbol of hope, and a reminder that their mother is waiting for them. This becomes a fundamental part of their inspiration whilst on the journey. Also the continual reference to home and mother is used to rekindle their spirits and encourage them throughout their travel. Similarly in The Motorcycle Diaries there is also a consistent mention of family. “I have four siblingsand honestly theyre what I miss most. And also my mum” This gives them an incentive to keep going. It acts as something to hold onto and to push them forward.
These journeys in particular have covered a large distance in a lengthy period of time, however via different methods. The Motorcycle Diaries uses many means of transport. Originally the plan was to complete the journey on the motorcycle. This was highlighted by the close ups on the luggage as well as the parts of the motorbike, therefore emphasizing the need of the bike for the success of their journey. However, this changes as their journey progresses through Chile, the Andes and to the Leper colony. They travel on foot, by boat and finally by plane to complete the journey.
The girls in Rabbit-Proof Fence move from Moore River to Jigalong station solely on foot, despite the extreme conditions and the extraordinary length. This movement is conveyed through the repeated shots displaying the girls walking or close-ups of their feet. Another camera technique used to great effect, to display the movement of the girls, is the tracking shot. This is where the camera moves with the subject. This effect is used many times throughout the film, particularly in the abduction scene, which is the beginning of all journeys for the girls. The shot assists in communicating the movement of the girls, as the responder is taken on the journey, which builds a greater understanding of the environment and the journey itself.
While both groups of characters travel a substantial distance on foot through extremely different lands, they encounter many similar obstacles, difficulties and new experiences. Some common obstacles faced by each party include lack of direction, fatigue and the weather. Although these problems affect them in different ways and the composers convey the obstacles via different techniques, the obstacles do exists and set each group back equally as far. It is important that they overcome these challenges and hurdles in order to succeed in the physical journey.
Without sufficient knowledge of the destination and the direction in which to get there, it becomes incredibly difficult to stay on track and to reach their goals in the shortest time possible. Both Salles and Noyce use extreme long shots and panoramic shots not only to set up the environmental context but also to highlight the size of the area and the unfamiliarity of the character within it. These shots show the characters as they appear to be extremely vulnerable, making it easy to lose their way. This lack of direction prolongs and extends the physical journey and only contributes more to the fatigue and tiredness that is suffered.
In each circumstance, the characters react differently to find a solution to the problem. Alberto and Ernesto- though they have a map- go ahead and ask for directions as they are aware of the fact that they are lost, whereas Molly does not realise there is more than one rabbit proof fence and is only informed and redirected by chance. However she does follow the advice given to her and it does lead her in the right direction.
The weather becomes a concern at both extremes. In The Motorcycle Diaries the weather was quite cold and windy. This presented problems such as; lack of clothes and shelter (after