Abstract
Peter Carstairs’ 2007 film September is a quiet, intimate contemplation of friendship, coming of age, and ‘the subtle side of racism’ in 1968 Australia (Carstairs in Robertson 2007, p. 16). In the Wheatbelt of Western Australia, Ed Anderson (Xavier Samuel) the son of a wool and wheat farmer, and Paddy Parker (Clearance John Ryan) the son of an Aboriginal labourer on the Andersons’ property, navigate the strains placed on their relationship by complex long-standing prejudices and the changing nature of the Australian political world.
Highlights
One of the key themes explored relates to the boys’ fascination with boxing, which quickly becomes more than a simple fascination for Paddy in particular
As tension builds in Ed and Paddy’s relationship due to unspoken issues and the growing influence of external politics in their in-between bubble, their practice-fights lose their cushion of playful goodwill
The film closes with reconciliation, a silent apology, and the beginnings of open-ended growth for both boys as they go their respective ways; Paddy to join Jimmy Sharman’s boxing troop, and Ed back to the farm to work out his future
Summary
One of the key themes explored relates to the boys’ fascination with boxing, which quickly becomes more than a simple fascination for Paddy in particular. Through Paddy, Carstairs explores the importance of the sport in ‘overcoming circumstance’
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