There were many discourses that were evidently operating within the film, "The Dish." It is specifically set in the summer of 1969, during the age of the space race period. This film looks directly at the space projects created by America and Australia's involvement in Apollo Elevens first manned voyage to the moon.Through the use of these discourses, combined with the connotations associated with these, we are truly able to find the under pinning values that are still evident in today's Australian Society. It shows the typical traits of the Australian stereotype through the use of mateship, perseverance and a genuine laid back approach to the situations ...view middle of the document...
Though at times, the detail incorporated to backup some machinery and computerised equipment could have been expanded, the film generally flowed. In combination with this discourse, there was also the portion of science operating. This discourse mainly occurred through the tensions between the Australian team and the representative scientists from NASA. It gave us a good insight into the 'real' scientist. As we observe that scientists as more or less normal people with families, interests outside work and the desire to make a difference in society. Cliff Buxton (Sam Neil) best sums this discourse up in the quote, "This is science's chance to be daring." In saying this, it brings our attention to those that have helped us create today's world, and how much we really take for granted, most commonly, science.Through the Australian stereotype that is obviously used throughout the movie, probably even slightly over emphasised, we notice the discourse of Camaraderie and mateship. It was seen from the early stages of the movie, as we let American forces use our radio telescope dish as a backup receiver for the television transmission from the moon. Even though this is seen as an honour to many, it was something that did not have to accept. The ease and relaxed approach of the Australian characters also added to this theme. Though, this was contrasted by the rivalry and objections against American representative scientists. As the movie progressed, we saw this slowly diminish, as the concept of joining forces to complete the task at hand became the main priority of both sides.
