SERIES 2, EPISODE 1
© ATOM 2013 A STUDY GUIDE BY KATY MARRINER
http://www.metromagazine.com.au
ISBN: 978-1-74295-366-3 http://www.theeducationshop.com.au Redfern Now Series 2 portrays contemporary inner-city Indigenous life in and around the suburb of Redfern in Sydney, New South Wales. The series offers compelling stories of ordinary people dealing with the ups and downs that life brings. Redfern Now is a drama series written, directed and produced by Indigenous Australians. The series was developed in collaboration with UK screenwriter Jimmy McGovern and is produced by Blackfella Films’ Darren Dale and Miranda Dear, and presented by ABC TV and Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW.
CURRICULUM Now has relevance to units of work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LINKS Studies, Australian History, Cultural Studies, English, Health and Human Redfern Now is suitable for second- Development, Literature, Media, ary students in Years 9–12. The Religion and Society, and Sociology. series offers stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples told by Teachers are advised to direct stu- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dents to complete activities that are peoples, allowing students to develop subject-relevant and age-appropriate. an awareness and appreciation of Indigenous storytelling and to see the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres BLACKFELLA Strait Islanders from their perspective. FILMS
Given its insight into the present expe- For twenty years, Blackfella Films has riences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait created innovative and high-quality Islander peoples, the series provides content across documentary and nar- opportunities for students to engage rative in both short and feature formats in discussions about Aboriginal and for theatrical, television and online plat- Torres Strait Islander identity and be- forms. Its award-winning productions longing and to examine the influences have screened at premier international of family, kinship, community, place, film festivals including Sundance, culture and mainstream Australian Berlin and Toronto, and distinguished society. its team as creators and curators of distinctive Australian content. In addition, the stories told by Redfern Now are those of ordinary people The company was founded in 1992 dealing with the extraordinary chal- by writer/director/producer Rachel lenges of ordinary existence. The Perkins who was joined by producer episodes explore universal themes Darren Dale in 2002. In 2010, former and issues of significance to any ABC Head of Fiction, Miranda Dear audience, regardless of their cultural joined Blackfella Films as producer on background. the company’s drama slate.
For students in Years 9–10, Redfern The company’s credits include the Now has relevance to units of work in documentary series First Australians, the learning areas of English, Media the feature documentary The Tall and History, and addresses the Man (Tony Krawitz, 2011), the ABC cross-curriculum priority of Aboriginal telemovie Mabo (Rachel Perkins, SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 and Torres Strait Islander Histories 2012), the annual Indigenous film and Cultures. The series can also be festival Message Sticks (2002–2011) used to teach the general capabilities and Redfern Now Series 1. The series, of Intercultural Understanding and which went to air in November 2012, Ethical Behaviour. was the first Australian drama series written, directed and produced by For students in Years 11–12, Redfern Indigenous Australians. 2 SERIES KEY Most Outstanding Drama Series. Dale currently serves on the board of CREATIVES Screen NSW and the Council of the Visit Blackfella Films online at Jimmy McGovern – Australian Film, Television and Radio
year Dale was awarded this prize. SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 brought subsequent change in film series The New Black. Dear also Redfern. Aboriginal people began With his Blackfella Films business commissioned the television series The returning from rural areas to Sydney partner, Perkins, Dale co-curated the Slap, The Straits, Paper Giants and Miss in search of employment. Many film program for the Message Sticks Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. found work at the Eveleigh Railway Indigenous Festival at the Sydney Since 2010, Dear has worked with Workshops and settled in Redfern, Opera House from 2002 until 2011. Blackfella Films and produced, with until the Great Depression forced Most recently Dale produced Redfern Darren Dale, Mabo and Redfern Now them back into temporary camps in Now Series 1 for ABC TV, which won Series 1. La Perouse. the 2013 TV Week Logie Award for 3 From the end of World War Two, the How does the series portray Aboriginal population in Redfern grew Redfern and the people who live and a sense of community evolved. there? Draw on evidence from By the early 1960s, Redfern was home each episode to support your to over 12,000 Aboriginal people, response. some employed in local industry and • Working as a class, discuss why others who were unemployed and the filmmakers chose to set the underprivileged. New opportunities series in Redfern. and the freedom afforded to Aboriginal • Create an infographic about the people by the National Referendum suburb of Redfern. of 1967 encouraged the migration of Begin your research at the Aboriginal people to Sydney. Redfern’s Australian Bureau of Statistics: population swelled to 35,000 people.
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‘WHERE THE HEART IS’ ‘WHERE THE HEART IS’ WAS WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY ADRIAN RUSSELL WILLS. TEACHERS MAY SELECT FROM THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AND ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT STUDENTS’ VIEWING AND CLOSE ANALYSIS OF ‘WHERE THE HEART IS’.
SYNOPSIS
Richard (Oscar Redding) and Peter (Kirk Page) are a loving couple who have made a life, family and home for themselves raising their daughter, Amy (Saskia Williscroft). Like many other Amy in a bid to get back what is left of The minor characters of ‘Where the couples they have found themselves her son. Heart Is’ are Nurse Edwards, Steven, in a funk, and with pressure from work Luis the doctor, the coroner, the Family and tension increasing, Peter and Peter cannot believe that the judge will Court mediator and the Family Court Richard start arguing. find against him, but when Margaret judge. shows up to the family court with But in just one morning, their whole a well-prepared case, the threat of • Explain the significance of each of world is shattered when Richard is hit losing custody of Amy becomes all the minor characters. by a car. With Richard on life-support, too real. Peter’s best friend, Lorraine Peter must break the news of the acci- (Deborah Mailman), decides it is time dent and her son’s injuries to Richard’s for a few home truths: quit the drink- The argument estranged mother, Margaret (Noni ing; quit the smoking; quit the self-pity. Hazlehurst). It is the call a mother At first it is hard to hear, but Peter 1 ‘Where the Heart is’ begins never wants to get and one Peter realises that Lorraine is right and that in the kitchen. Amy is eating her doesn’t want to make. Richard’s con- he is going to have to fight like hell to breakfast with great difficulty because dition goes from bad to worse and, as keep the thing he loves most in all the she is wearing the helmet of her Ned his next-of-kin, Peter is faced with the world: Amy. Kelly costume. Amy’s father Peter heartbreaking decision of switching off wants her to remove the mask. When Richard’s life support. Under protest Amy’s other father, Richard, enters the from Margaret, the decision is made. CHARACTERS kitchen, he initially fails to see this as a problem. Realising that Peter wants Months later at the coroner’s inquest, The major characters of ‘Where the Amy to take off her armour, Richard it is revealed that Peter could have Heart Is’ are Peter, Richard, Amy, encourages Amy to do as Peter has played a small part in Richard’s ac- Margaret and Lorraine. requested. cidental death, news that Margaret
does not take well. Peter struggles • A sociogram is a visual representa- • Why do Peter and Richard argue? SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 through his grief but the absence of tion of the relationships of a group Is it just about Peter not knowing Richard’s love is overwhelming. It is of people. that Richard has invited Kyle and loneliness that pushes Peter to seek Draw and annotate a sociogram David to dinner? comfort in other men. When Margaret that describes and explains the re- • When and why do the filmmakers learns what Peter’s reckless behaviour lationships between Peter, Richard, show Amy’s point of view? is doing – and so soon after her son’s Amy, Margaret and Lorraine. • The Davy-Taylor home is one of death – she files for full custody of the key settings of the episode. 5 1
Describe the Davy-Taylor home and how the house is used in this and subsequent sequences. • In 2011, there were 32,365 same-sex couples in Australia. Approximately 12 per cent of these same-sex couples are parenting a child. Research shows no differ- ences in the outcomes for children of heterosexual parents and same- sex parents. For Amy, having two daddies is normal. Do you think Australian society is accepting of same-sex parenting? What are the challeng- es facing same-sex parents? phone and conversation with Peter. is by Richard’s bedside. Amy arrives When Richard suggests that maybe he with Lorraine. Peter picks up his should leave, Amy – who is upstairs • Why does Richard take the call? daughter and hugs her tightly. A visibly listening to her daddies argue – thinks What does the dialogue tell the au- upset Lorraine comforts both Richard that Richard and Peter are about to dience about Peter and Richard’s and Amy. separate. The truth is that Richard relationship? doesn’t see any point in trying to • Richard’s hospital room is another reason with Peter when he is upset. key setting of the episode. As you Richard is already running late for Hospital watch this sequence and others work and Amy needs to get to school. to follow that are set in Richard’s 2 hospital room, describe the way • When Richard pulls into the kerb- • Why does this sequence begin that the setting is used to convey side at Amy’s school, he realises with a shot of Peter running along the characters’ relationship with that Amy is upset. He climbs into the hospital corridor looking for Richard, with each other and the the back seat of the car and com- Admissions? way that they cope with the seri-
forts his daughter. This shot is followed by one in ousness of his injuries. SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 Why is this scene important? which Peter speaks to a doctor. • Peter: ‘I don’t know what to say.’ Describe the framing and the use Nurse Edwards: ‘Oh, just say Richard is driving when Peter calls. of lighting and sound in this shot whatever you need to.’ He takes the phone call regardless. As and the meaning that is conveyed. When Nurse Edwards checks on the conversation continues he arrives Richard, she is gentle and kind. at work, parks the car and attempts The action moves to Richard’s hospital She encourages Peter to talk to to juggle his briefcase, documents, room. Richard is on life-support. Peter Richard. 6 1
• Margaret: ‘If you think I’m going to let you play God with my son’s life, you are sadly mistaken.’ Peter: ‘We have to let him go.’ Richard is unlikely to survive. The tests indicate that there is no evi- dence of neurological activity. Is Margaret right to insist that her son be kept alive? Why does Peter give his consent to withdraw life-support? • Explain the use of production val- ues in the scene that shows Peter giving consent to turn off Richard’s life support.
Explain the significance of this exchange. Is it understandable that Peter is lost for words?
Peter goes home to find Richard’s iPod. Kyle and David arrive. They the doctor’s request. He fears that are in high spirits and are ignorant of Richard is going to be taken off life Richard’s Richard’s accident. Peter stops his support. death desperate search for the iPod and 4 cries. In the scene that follows, Nurse • ‘They haven’t spoken in years.’ Edwards is at the ward desk busy ‘Don’t hang up. It’s Peter.’ • How does each character deal with paperwork until she is distracted ‘It’s not cowardice. She hates with the moments leading up to by the music coming from Richard’s me. She won’t accept it from me.’ Richard’s death? room. – Peter • Why do the filmmakers show both What do Peter’s statements sug- Margaret and Peter leaving the • How do the filmmakers use music gest about Margaret’s relationship hospital? What were you thinking to convey meaning and emotion in with her son and with him? and feeling as you watched them this scene? • ‘My baby. My beautiful, beautiful go their separate ways? • Why does the scene shift to im- baby.’ – Margaret ages of the streets of Sydney at What do Margaret’s reactions in night and end with Amy arriving this and subsequent sequences The the next morning with a get-well tell the audience about a mother’s inquest card for Richard? love for her child? 5 SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 Due to the circumstances of Richard’s Margaret is adamant that Richard will death, there is an inquest. Peter is Next remain on life support. She refuses expected to give evidence. of kin to listen to the doctor and to Peter. 3 She wants a second opinion. Peter is • ’You’re not on trial. The bloody Peter is expected to call Richard’s Richard’s next of kin; Richard’s fate is driver is.’ – Lorraine mother, Margaret. Peter is worried by his to decide. Margaret is powerless. 7 1
Why is Peter anxious about the inquest?
The coroner calls a fifteen-minute break. He is aware of the strain that the inquest is placing on Peter.
• When Margaret confronts Peter at the drinks machine, what does she want? • Do you think Peter blames himself for Richard’s death? Should he? 6 Grief • List the ways the filmmakers show that Peter’s inability to cope with Is Margaret’s criticism simply that his grief compromises his ability to of a protective grandmother? care for Amy. Spend time as a class, discussing • What is the significance of the her reasons for speaking her mind. scene in Amy’s bedroom, when Is Margaret homophobic? Peter tells her a bedtime story about Richard as a boy? Margaret makes good on her word and seeks custody of Amy. Later that night, Peter continues to drink, smokes a joint and spends time • Peter: ‘It’s not about Amy. She’s online chatting with other gay men. not taking me to court because He initially refuses a proposition from she wants Amy. She’s doing it to Luis_84. The shot of Peter’s clenched spite me.’ fingers hovering above the keyboard that Richard played in their lives. The Lorraine: ‘It’s got nothing to do signal his indecision. Desperate to feel home movie that captures Richard and with spite. It’s about love. She something other than grief, he accepts Peter’s excitement about becoming loved her son. Amy’s all that’s left Luis’ offer and invites him over. parents elicits both laughter and tears. of him.’ It is a poignant moment, particularly Is Lorraine right? • What do the filmmakers want you the movie’s conclusion when Richard Why does the scene end with to think of Peter’s behaviour? Can talks into the camera to Amy. Peter pouring himself another you remember what you thought glass of wine? when you watched this sequence • Why has Lorraine organised the for the first time? Did you under- birthday party? stand Peter’s decision to invite What comment are the filmmakers Mediation Luis into his home? Were you making about grief and the way we worried about the consequences grieve? 8 When Peter confronts Margaret, of Peter’s actions? he tells her, ‘your son would be rolling in his grave if he knew what you were Peter hurries Luis out the next morn- Amy’s doing’. A stony-faced Margaret turns ing, knowing that Margaret is on her welfare and walks away. Lorraine admonishes way. Margaret is going to take Amy 7 Peter: ‘That’s not helping.’ to soccer. Amy will stay the night with Margaret. Steve’s presence in the Davy-Taylor In the mediator’s office, Margaret
home at such an early hour does not proves to be well-prepared. SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 • Does Margaret see what she impress Margaret. She asks to speak to wants to see or is she right to be Peter in the courtyard. Margaret is an- • ‘This is about Amy.’ – Margaret unsettled? gry as she expresses her concern about Is Margaret’s case against Peter the impact of Peter’s ‘lifestyle’ on Amy. valid? How does Peter respond Peter and his friends gather to cele- to Margaret’s accusations? Does brate Richard’s birthday. The occasion • ‘She shouldn’t be around all this.’ he deserve to be portrayed in this is an opportunity to remember the role – Margaret way? 8 1
my daughter Amy slept. But what has that got to do with my sexual- ity? Don’t straight women bring men into their homes? A friend said to me that I have to prove that I deserve Amy and that was hard to hear at first but, being gay, I’m used to fighting. I had to fight the kids at school. I had to fight my cousins, even my own uncles. I still remem- ber the change in my father’s eyes when he found out I was gay, but if you’re lucky you meet some- one and fall in love – someone like Richard – and all that fighting seems worthwhile. I want to teach that to Amy. I want to show her that sometimes you have to fight for what you want most in this life. I • Margaret: He broke up my son’s listening to Peter and Lorraine’s swear that I will never bring another marriage. argument? man into my home again. I’ll do Peter: That is not true. • Debate: Is contemporary Australian whatever it takes. You can install Margaret: And was responsible in society homophobic or have we as cameras. You can tag me. You can part for my son’s death. a nation become more tolerant of monitor me twenty-four hours a Does Margaret just need some- LGBT people? day. Anything. Whatever it takes to one to blame for her own get my daughter under my roof. unhappiness? Were you surprised when Margaret Peter’s Spend time as a class discussing admitted to being homophobic? fight the significance of all that Peter 9 says. • ‘There’s no way a judge is going to find in favour of Margaret. If he At breakfast the next morning, there is The judge decides that it is better finds in favour of her, he’s saying tension between father and daughter. for Amy to live with her father. He is that no gay man can ever be a Peter promises Amy that he will apolo- impressed by Peter’s sincerity and his single father in Australia.’ – Peter gise to Lorraine. This is an admission promises. He grants minimum access Is Peter right? that he was wrong to lose his temper. of one weekend in four to Margaret. Is he in denial that he may lose As he clears Amy’s breakfast dishes, custody of Amy? he drops a piece of cutlery. When he • Is the verdict fair? • Read Lorraine’s response: bends to pick it up, he sees a post-it- note has made its way from the fridge I don’t give a shit. No-one gives to the floor. Family a shit. All that matters is Amy. So cut down on the dope. Cut down • Explain the symbolism of the post- 10 ‘Where the Heart Is’ ends on the booze. And cut down on it-note that Peter retrieves from with Amy and Margaret waiting for the self-pity and self-indulgence. under the dishwasher. Peter in the park. Amy has spent the And worry a bit about that little girl weekend with her grandmother. When or otherwise you’re going to lose The action shifts to the Family Court. It Margaret admits that saying goodbye her. Who wants Amy more? Who is the day of the hearing. to Amy isn’t easy, Peter responds that deserves Amy more? That woman she doesn’t have to. The three leave who’s come in prepared to kill for • Does Peter think that he will lose the park together. her or the prick who thinks he’s got custody of Amy? a God-given right? • Read Peter’s statement for • Were you surprised by Peter’s
consideration: response? SCREEN EDUCATION © ATOM 2013 Peter expects Lorraine’s sympathy. • What does the closing shot He is unprepared for her backlash. Amy is my daughter. I am her suggest about Amy, Peter and Is Lorraine’s anger justified? Is father. I have raised her since she Margaret’s future? there evidence to suggest that her was a tiny baby. I am the only • Text response: ‘Where the Heart Is’ assessment of the situation and parent she has left. And ours is is about the importance of forgive- advice has a positive impact on the only home she knows. It’s true ness. Discuss. Peter? Why do you think the film- that Luis was a stranger. Yes. And makers show Amy on the stairs, I allowed him into my home, while 9 This study guide was produced by ATOM. (© ATOM 2013) ISBN: 978-1-74295-366-3 [email protected] For information on SCREEN EDUCATION magazine, or to download other study guides for assessment, visit
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