Films about bushrangers reveal much more about differences and changes in national moods and values than
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"Today much of our knowledge of the past comes from our cinema and television screens. This is particularly true in Australia where there has been a strong tendency for Australian film and television to draw on past events and characters for their stories."
Are these stories historically accurate or do they reveal more about current national moods and values? This essay is going to examine the statement "Films about bushrangers reveal much more about differences and changes in national moods and values than they do about historical reality." by looking at two films both titled "Ned Kelly". This essay will firstly look at the portrayal of Ned Kelly in these two films and then at two specific scenes: Stringbark Creek and Glenrowan. The first film stars Mick Jagger in the starring role and is directed by Tony Richardson. The second film stars Heath Ledger as Ned Kelly and is directed by Gregor Jordan. To help in discerning the question of historical reality, references are taken from Ian Jones' book "Ned Kelly: A Short Life".
When we first meet Mick Jagger's representation of Ned Kelly, he is on his way home from Beechworth Jail...