How does the opening scene contribute to the audience’s understanding of time,

setting and place?

- The opening scene of High Ground is a powerful introduction to the film’s themes of colonialism,
identity, and violence.

The scene establishes the time, setting, and place of the story through various film techniques, sound, and
symbolism.

Film Shots: The aerial wide shot of Nimbuwa Rock, accompanied by the title “1919”, sets the location and
the historical context of the film as Northwestern Arnhem Land during the Australian frontier wars

Sound and Symbolism: The traditional music and chants by the Yolngu people, as well as the close-ups of
Gutjuk applying white paint onto his body, signify their connection to the land and their culture.

The contrast between the peaceful and natural environment of the Yolngu community and the sudden
intrusion of the police and the soldier Travis, who opens fire on them, creates a shocking and visceral effect
on the audience.

The sound of gunshots, screams, and explosions disrupts the harmony of the previous scenes of peace and
harmony, whilst also foreshadows the violence and trauma that will follow.

The symbolism of the fire, which engulfs the Yolngu camp, represents the destruction of their way of life and
the loss of their innocence.

The opening scene of High Ground explores the colonial history of Australia and its impact on the Indigenous
people.

Subverting the western genre, Stephen Maxwell Johnson’s revenge thriller ‘High Ground’ explores how the
varying levels of family unity, rebellion and cultural identity depicted in different characters influence their
survival. In this film, the term ‘survival’ operates on two continuums. It is conveyed as the physical sense of
life and death through the play’s protagonist, Gutjuk, as well as the pursuit of happiness. This pursuit is
predominantly reflected in the parallel yet contrasted lives of Claire and Braddock as well as many first
nation’s deteriorating health after losing family members. Although Johnson articulates the endurance of the
Indigenous Australians, he incorporates figures of white authority who seek to demolish the Indigenous race
and culture. Set in the time frame of 1919 to 1930, ‘High Ground’ presents a critique of the conventional
colonial British views of that era; and their effect on the preservation of Indigenous spirit and culture.