Film Techniques

1. Cinematography:

The film uses various cinematographic techniques to enhance the storytelling and bring the New Zealand wilderness to life.

Wide Shots: Throughout the film, wide shots capture the vastness of the New Zealand landscape. These shots emphasise the characters' isolation, especially when Ricky and Hec are deep in the wilderness. The expansive scenery highlights the challenges they face in surviving the wild but also the freedom and beauty of nature. Example: When Ricky and Hec first set off into the bush, the camera pulls back to show them as small figures in a huge, untamed landscape. This sets the tone for their adventure and underscores how tiny and vulnerable they are compared to the natural world around them.
Close-Ups: Close-up shots are frequently used to convey the characters' emotions, particularly in moments of tension or connection. For instance, close-ups of Ricky's face show his fear, uncertainty, or growing confidence, helping the audience connect with his character on a deeper level. Example: During the scene where Hec decides to help Ricky run away, the camera focuses on their faces, capturing the seriousness of their decision and the bond that is beginning to form between them.

Montage sequences are prominent in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, which shows the passage of time and the development of Ricky and Hec's relationship.

Training and Survival Montages: As Ricky and Hec spend time in the bush, montages show Ricky learning survival skills from Hec. These sequences effectively show Ricky's transformation from a city kid to someone capable of living in the wild. Example: A montage shows Hec teaching Ricky how to hunt and navigate the wilderness. The quick succession of scenes and upbeat music demonstrate Ricky's progress and their growing camaraderie.
News and Media Montages: The film also uses montages to show how the outside world perceives Ricky and Hec's adventure. These montages often include humorous elements, such as exaggerated news reports, which add to the film's light-hearted tone. Example: A montage of news clips shows the media frenzy surrounding Ricky and Hec's disappearance, with sensational headlines and over-the-top commentary. This helps the audience see the contrast between the reality of their situation and how society portrays it.

Dialogue and humour play a significant role in the film, helping to develop the characters and lighten the mood, even in tense situations.

Quirky Dialogue: The film's dialogue is often quirky and reflects the characters' unique personalities. Ricky's "gangster" language and Hec's gruff, straightforward speech create a humorous contrast that adds to the film's charm. Example: Ricky's line, "I didn't choose the skux life; the skux life chose me," is both funny and revealing of his attempts to appear tough and independent, even as he's vulnerable and unsure of himself.
Humorous Situations: The film frequently uses humour to diffuse tension and endear the characters to the audience. Even in challenging situations, a light-hearted moment or a funny exchange often balances the film's tone. Example: When Paula, the child services officer, declares, "No child left behind!" with exaggerated seriousness, it adds a humorous note to her otherwise intense pursuit of Ricky, highlighting the absurdity of her obsession with following the rules to the letter.