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Gallipoli

Gallipoli - Did the film makers twist history to market a myth?

When Germany declared war on France on the 3rd of July 1914 and Great Britain declared on Germany at the same time, who would have thought Australia, a nation who only federated in 1901 would be among a World War, and more specifically the Gallipoli campaign. The film Gallipoli by Peter Weir focuses on the ANZAC spirit and the coming of the First World War and the effect on Australia. The movie focuses on those positive values that come along with the Anzac legend which include those of mateship, courage, discipline and endurance. Although the average Australia viewer would consider the above values convey through the film to be totally accurate, it can be question whether the film maker has twisted history in order to market the myth of the ANZAC legend. If in fact Weir has twisted history to some extent, I will anaylse to what extent some aspect of the ANZAC legend differs from the actual events of the Gallipoli campaign in the year of 1915.

The first section of the film focuses on the Australian lifestyle and the initial enthusiastic response to the outbreak of war. As Australia a colony of the British Empire, they really had no choice but to follow the ‘mother' country, on the streets of Australia enthusiasm was clearly evident, however this was expected as 95% of the population of 5 million were born in Great Britain, however the only real objection to war was from them with Irish backgrounds. The film shows Frank (Mel Gibson) along with his mates working on the railway tracks in terrible conditions with a little to look forward to in life. When they learnt of the outbreak of war, through the newspaper with such topics that exposed the evil nature of the Turks, they were keen to join. As it is well known this was typical propaganda used by the government to build the initial enthusiasm towards war, and build the mind frame that enlisting in the army would solve money problems for some time,...