Analysis Of Gallipoli By Peter Weir Essay

Analysis Of Gallipoli, By Peter Weir Essay, Research Paper Gallipoli truly demonstrated the view points of Australians and the effects the war had on them. A deceiving perception of the war was emphasized, forgetting the warnings and traumas which were so evident by the end of the movie. Innocence was lost before young boys even had a chance to really live their lives. Misleading propaganda and nationalism encouraged the war effort. Much could have been prevented, yet the naivete of the elders and youth alike kept the inexperienced going on for more. Military plans were constantly changed and those who were smart enough to protest were labeled as cowards. The causes of World War I were unknown to Archie Hamilton and his friends. Neglecting the true facts and reasons of German

intervention into the war, the Australians’ strong sense of nationalism blinded them to the many unforeseen realities. Such evidence for this can be found in the scene where Archie and Frankie encountered the men in the desert. It was their innocence and love for their country which brought them to say that it was the German’s fault. This also proves that there must have been lots of blatant propaganda for such young men to assume that the war had started all because of the Germans. One soldier even told a story to influence the Australians into hating the Germans. That soldier explained how German soldiers went through Belgium, killing all the kittens and marching through the town with the poor dead felines on their sticks. Numerous things were done to keep the war effort

going. All the real horrors which government and military officials knew would scare the much needed potential soldiers away were hidden. Nationalism and propaganda also influenced the impacts war had on the soldiers and civilians. Oblivious to the reality of it all, mothers were proud to send their sons of to war, having no doubt that they would be home within weeks. Girls and children cheered in the streets, unaware of the numerous avoidable deaths and injuries. The impression of war was for heroic soldiers to fight for their country and be home soon. Joining the war effort was the “cool” thing to do. The soldiers really had no idea what they were in store for until actual battle. Even at training camps, Peter Weir directed a bunch of fun and games. From playing football to

having races, any onlooker would perceive war to be a vacation from all responsibilities. Even in the trenches, laughter could be heard while boys and men played cards on small makeshift tables. In a letter to Archie’s uncle Jack, he still believes that war is an adventure. It was not until actual battle that soldiers were exposed to the traumas of war. Innocent men were dying as na?ve generals kept commanding men to attack the enemy’s trenches. They would be shot down before they could even make it out of their own trench! Soldiers were hit with harsh reality as soon as they were put into battle. They no longer could go back to their old mindset, wanting to play games and await their return home. They crossed a thin line which they would never have the opportunity to cross

back. Those who survived would forever remember all those who had died. They are the only ones who will know the true reasons of the death, not just glamorize ideas of nobly dying for one’s country. Those poor innocent soldiers were pushed into death. Frankie was effected most from the war. For the rest of his life, he has to live with the fact that many men died because of him. Being a “runner”, he was in charge of racing back and forth between the two men in command of the battle for the Australian’s side. Communications were shut down several minutes after the trench warfare had started so Frankie was responsible of relaying all messages from the command center to the trenches. On his way back from the command center one trip, he was supposed to tell the trench