The concept of belonging is represented by groups that are presented and also the individuals who don’t fit into these groups. The Ballroom Dance Federation is a group that is all characters connect to, although individual such as Scott, Fran and Doug do not belong in the group. The film “Strictly Ballroom” was directed by Baz Luhrmann and released in 1992. It explores the idea that a person who doesn’t conform will be excluded from the group, however if the person can find belonging within themselves then that is more significant then belonging to a superficial group. The style of the film is highly theatrical and expressionistic. It encompasses a fairytale element with a satirical slant and also a musical comedy. All of the ideas are developed using film techniques.
Luhrmann grew up surrounded by the strict regulation of ballroom dancing and his experiences with this world impact on his construction of the film. The purpose of the film is to caricature the glitzy, glamorous and artificial world of ballroom dancing, and affectionately satirise the industry, its strict rules and those who work in it. This connects to belonging as it shows that an establishment may try to force individuals to conform but their belonging within themselves is more significant. This can be connected to the fairytale style of the film as the individual stands up and an underdog challenges establishments. It also connects to the satirical edge as the film pokes fun at the establishment and also the musical comedy as the film is extremely theatrical.
The opening sequence as it establishes setting, plot point, groups and individuals. The group that all characters connect to is the Ballroom Dance Federation. This group has a sense of belonging as they are united by a common goal to win and achieve in the ballroom dancing world. This provides the dancers with an identity that is more glamorous and...