AustLit

'Fred Schepisi's film (in)famously blurred the line between villain and victim in racially motivated violence. This critique argues that the socio-political landscape, when juxtaposed with Jimmie's life, calls into question myths about national patrimony that stem from Federation. Schepisi's expressionist cinematography engages audiences as both spectator and commentator in the Blacksmith/Governor story. This dialogue concludes with the suggestion that Jimmie's insanity is symptomatic of a society that uses Terra Nullius as a foundation, in the formation of it's national identity.' (Publication abstract)