Strictly Ballroom, By Baz Luhrman

Many people view power as something to strive for, respect and most of all look up to. Baz Luhrmans’ Strictly Ballroom shows how power isn’t always the benevolent hero we all look up to it as and Strictly Ballroom also shows how just because someone has power doesn’t mean you should have admiration for them. Baz Luhrman positions us to view power as an extravagant force that controls, manipulates and cheats. Power was always most evident in the judges as they were the group that ruled over everyone.

Throughout the film we are positioned to view the judges as a force of power the dictates what happens in the world of ballroom. This is clearly shown in the very first scene when the dancers are shown on the floor while the judges are on the stage/higher …show more content…
Barry Fife is shown manipulating many people into doing what he wants so that he can keep ballroom under his control. This is first clearly shown when Barry Fife tell Scott’s best friend “it only takes one bad apple to rock the bunch.” Barry Fifes says this to Wayne (Scott’s best friend) in an attempt to trick him into influences his best friend so that he doesn’t dance his own steps at the pan pacific. Another example of power manipulating people is when Barry Fife tried to make it so Ken Railing would win the Pan Pacific as long as he just went out and danced. One more example of power manipulating people is when Barry lies and tells Scott “They lost at the Pan Pacific dancing their own steps, win the Trophy he couldn’t win.” This plays on Scott’s emotions and makes him go to the competition with Liz instead of Fran. When Manipulation won’t work Barry Fife turns to just cheating in order to get his