Analysis of archetypal symbols in the film "The Last Wave"

March 24, 2003 TAG Period 2 Visual Literacy "The Last Wave" Themes of "The Last Wave" Australian director Peter Weir's groundbreaking film "The Last Wave" is one of the most symbol - rich films ever made. It is a great triumph of film, and the first film ever to be based around Aboriginal ideas and use Aboriginal actors. The film explores Aboriginal culture and social conflict, while at the same time being a watery thrill ride. The film …

…in - depth look into another culture, and cleverly disguised it as a suspense thriller about strange weather. He packed it full of symbols and archetypes, and integrated them so subtly into both plots it was almost flawless. He catered to the casual viewer and at the same time the learned social scholar, and by using symbols and symbolic actions and scenes, he created perhaps one of the most potent films I have ever seen.