One_Night_the_Moon

"One Night the Moon" by Rachel Perkins shows the conflicting perspectives between different people about "black Australians". The film, One Night the Moon, portrays the strong white views towards the blacks. For example, Perkins focuses on these views in the short sequence where the white family on the horse and cart is passing the black family. This scene starts off with the white family up upon their horse and cart, showing higher class than the blacks. Perkins focuses on Rose's view, Jim's view and then the blacks. Perkins uses an over the shoulder handheld camera to show the perspective of Jim and Rose and also the carts movement. The blacks, however, do not have a clear view and they seem to blend with the landscape. Perkins then shows a disgusted, proud, and stuck up face of Rose using a close up to show her 'superiority' of the blacks. Jim also is shown with a low angle camera with his eyes straight ahead, making sure that he does not recognise the black family. The child, Emily, is portrayed as an innocent little girl who does not have a concept of racism, so therefore Albert is seen with a close up shot with an incredible loving smile. The change throughout the film becomes evident, especially with Rose and her views towards the blacks. Rose in the opening scenes is portrayed as a racist, submissive in role, and happy and content with her family. Rose and Emily have an intimate relationship, somewhat excluding of Jim, and this is evident by seeing mother and daughter playing. The impact of Rose and Emily being close is that Roses' racist views towards blacks are enforced, and this is evident when Rose prevents Emily waving to Albert and the black family. When Emily becomes lost, Roses transformation and emotions to the blacks change. To Jim's disgust, Rose eventually accepts Albert, the black tracker, to look for her daughter to find a resolution of what happened. Rose in this situation loses respect for Jim, and does not acknowledge him, because of his choice ."..no blacks on my land." Rose changes her attitudes towards blacks and accepts their way of life, and Perkins focus on this helps the viewer understand the conflict between the blacks and the whites.