the modern interpretation of australia's most infamous outlaw, ned kelly, has ventured into intriguing territory, challenging traditional notions of masculinity and national identity. the film "true history of the kelly gang," directed by justin kurzel, notably deviates from historical accounts by introducing elements that invite a re-examination of kelly's persona and his gang's symbolism.
this reimagining includes sartorial choices that have sparked considerable discussion, particularly the adoption of dresses by the kelly gang members.
the subversive style of the kelly gang
in stark contrast to the iconic metal armor, george macKay's portrayal of ned kelly features a distinctive strawberry blonde mullet, a style echoed by young ned, played by orlando schwerdt.
this modern, almost hipster hairdo, imbues the character with a subcultural resonance for contemporary audiences. further, the film takes a significant departure from historical accuracy, depicting kelly himself, and his loyal companions, in dresses during the latter part of the narrative.
this choice is directly inspired by peter carey's novel, which introduces the concept of the "sons of sieve."
the sons of sieve and ritualistic cross-dressing
the "sons of sieve" are a fictional construct within carey's novel, drawing inspiration from historical practices of ritualistic cross-dressing employed by peasant communities in ireland as a form of protest against authority during the 18th and 19th centuries.
these secret societies used such acts to subvert societal norms and express dissent. the film attempts to translate this literary device into a visual spectacle, with kelly's followers—sean keenan as sean, louis hewison as steve hart, and earl cave as dan kelly—donning black floral lace dresses.
these attire choices, coupled with the youthful, slender frames of the actors, create a striking image that intentionally challenges the rugged, hyper-masculine archetype typically associated with outlaw narratives.
charlie hunnam appears as sergeant o'neill, a local law enforcement figure.
while the sons of sieve concept has historical roots in protest traditions, the film's execution of this element has been critiqued for its superficiality. the narrative provides scant exposition, and the dialogue is often obscured by mumbling or shouting, diminishing the intended socio-historical significance.
consequently, the visual impact of the gang in dresses—with twenty-first-century tattoos peeking above necklines and an array of silver rings adorning fingers—can be perceived as more of a stylistic flourish than a deeply embedded thematic element.
analyzing the queer aesthetic in kelly's portrayal
the costuming choices, particularly the dresses, have led to interpretations that explore a potential queer subtext within the film.
the performance of transgression through cross-dressing, as presented by these ostensibly straight, punk-inspired characters, can be seen as a testosterone-fueled appropriation of queer aesthetics and, to some extent, queer sexual identity.
some critics suggest that this deliberate anachronism, a "baz lurhmann-esque gesture," serves to justify the creation of yet another ned kelly film and to appeal to a millennial audience often skeptical of traditional national myths.
the film's dramatic settings are established in winton wetlands in north-east victoria, a region holding significant cultural importance for local indigenous communities.
however, despite its purported punk spirit, "true history of the kelly gang" is often criticized for prioritizing style over political substance, failing to fully capitalize on the potential of its subversive visual choices.
ned kelly: the big gay musical
in a notable counterpoint to historical interpretations, a musical titled "ned kelly: the big gay musical" emerged from the melbourne international comedy festival, offering a distinct perspective.
the creators intentionally explored the intersection of australia's deeply ingrained masculine and hetero-centric culture with queer themes. the musical aimed to examine the ned kelly narrative through the lens of drag, highlighting its potential for sensuality, naughtiness, and the celebration of gender performance.
the writer, jesse gorman, expressed a desire to move beyond traditional musical theatre tropes, particularly by crafting "kick-ass" female characters and explicitly writing roles for gender-queer and female performers.
this approach extended to the musical composition, where the songs were developed in tandem with the script, each influencing the other in a dynamic creative process. scenes could inspire musical interludes, and conversely, musical ideas could shape the narrative direction.
the success of "ned kelly: the big gay musical" at the melbourne international comedy festival provided an opportunity for a larger, more refined production.
gorman notes the precarious nature of new works, many of which disappear after a single season. the reunion of the cast and crew for the re-staging was described as a heartwarming experience, akin to reuniting with a "long lost family," marked by immediate laughter and camaraderie, illustrating the deep bonds formed through the creative process.
reinterpreting masculinity and identity
the film's exploration of kelly's character, particularly through the unconventional costuming, invites a broader conversation about the fluidity of gender and the performance of masculinity.
the historical figure of ned kelly has long been a symbol of rebellion and Australian identity, often portrayed as the ultimate larrikin. however, the contemporary re-interpretations, such as those seen in kurzel's film and the musical, challenge these entrenched archetypes.
they suggest that rebellion can manifest in various forms, including the subversion of gender norms and the embracing of aesthetics traditionally associated with marginalized communities.
the use of dresses by the kelly gang members in the film can be analyzed not just as an homage to historical protest movements but also as a symbolic gesture of defiance against patriarchal structures and heteronormative expectations.
this visual metaphor allows for a deconstruction of traditional masculinity, suggesting that strength and rebellion are not exclusive to a narrowly defined masculine persona. the juxtaposition of the gang's outlaw status with their adoption of feminine attire creates a provocative image that questions societal definitions of power, identity, and belonging.
the cultural impact of recontextualization
the recontextualization of the ned kelly legend through a queer lens, as exemplified by "ned kelly: the big gay musical," highlights the evolving landscape of storytelling and identity politics.
by reframing the narrative and infusing it with elements of queer culture, these interpretations challenge the dominant cultural narratives that have shaped the perception of kelly and his legacy for generations. this creative approach not only provides fresh perspectives on historical figures but also contributes to a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of Australian identity.
the success and positive reception of such works underscore a growing appetite for diverse storytelling that embraces complexity and challenges conventional portrayals.
the exploration of themes like gender fluidity, queer identity, and resistance against societal norms resonates with contemporary audiences, encouraging a critical engagement with history and culture. the "ned kelly" narrative, when viewed through these alternative lenses, becomes a dynamic site for questioning and reimagining established myths and archetypes.