Close reading of key scenes

Using the time codes provided, watch each of these scenes and focus on the following prompts. Think
about the ways in which Warwick Thornton, through his choices as director, creates meanings for the
viewer. Ask students to share their responses with another student and then ask them to write a
short response on how and why the sequence engaged them in both scenes.

Another day (00.00 – 5.10)

The colours used in the credits
The position of the camera when Samson wakes and the effects of this closeness
The soundtrack and its specific commentary
The ways in which Samson's movements are followed by the camera
The sense of life's rhythms in the community that are established in the opening sequence
The ways in which Samson's character is established
The comparisons between Samson's life and that of Delilah and how they are made
The use of natural organic sounds
The relationship between Delilah and Nana and how this is established by both actions and the way
the camera films their relationship
How the camera focuses on character and reveals the setting in this sequence

Home (87.30 – 93.22)

The role of Delilah in Samson's survival and renewal
Delilah's tears as her signature music is played and what those tears mean.
The palpable strengths of Delilah and how they are recorded
The placing of the cross on the tin wall
The bathing of Samson and how the tenderness of this sequence is elicited by the filmmaker
The message to Samson from his father and Samson's reaction
The shared gaze and its impact
The final song and its clear statement
The sense of hope and how it is conveyed

Creating and Communicating: five assessment tasks for students

1. Choose your favourite scene from the film. Show the scene in class and explain how Warwick
Thornton creates the emotional effects in the viewer.

2. Samson and Delilah's relationship has been described as ‘true love' on the DVD cover. In what
ways is their love revealed and how is their love story different from a love story you might have
seen in other ‘teen' films?

3. Write a short response on the importance of music in their lives or search for the lyrics to the
soundtrack from the film and write about the ways in which the music complements the story
of Samson and Delilah.

4. Gonzo is very kind to Samson and Delilah under the bridge. Put yourself in Gonzo's shoes. Write
about his past life which we glimpse in the photograph when he was younger.

5. Visit this website for a Four Corners episode on ABC TV which investigates the issue of who
profits from the sale of Indigenous art, which is raised in Samson and Delilah. What is your
opinion on this issue?

Extension websites

Indigenous cinema and art is a canvas that is getting broader all the time. The following sites
offer teaching and learning materials including a study guide (which I co-wrote), other Indigenous
films (including the short films of Warwick Thornton) and information that might help inform your
teaching of Samson and Delilah. If you live Victoria, you can visit the Koori Heritage Trust in
Melbourne or go to the permanent and free Screen Worlds exhibition at the Australian Centre for the
Moving Image at Federation Square which includes a discrete focus on Indigenous filmmaking.