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A Hard God (1980)

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'A hard God'

This clip chosen to be PG

Clip description

In constant pain, Dan (Graham Rouse) suspects that he is dying. As he prepares to meet his maker he asks his wife Aggie (Dawn Lake) what she thinks about God, confiding in her his own doubts.

Curator’s notes

Kenna admitted to being bored by the talk of the older folk in his family only to find, as he grew more experienced in life, that there was much to be learned from their stories, arguments and reflections. A Hard God’s most enduring legacy is the sense of real truth in the dialogue. In this clip, the conversation between Aggie and Dan resonates today with anyone who has considered the relationship between God and people, or if any such relationship exists.

Aggie declares that survival got in the way of her having any greater philosophical considerations, and then confides to Dan that he was her religion. This declaration is representative of the normative expectations placed on women at this time (and beyond) and of the limitations borne out as a consequence. The conversation that follows here about the Catholic Church and religion more broadly is both philosophical and heartfelt – perhaps the first discussion of its type throughout their years of marriage.

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Downloadable Video – FOR EDUCATIONAL CRITICISM AND REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY

This clip is available for download for the limited purpose of criticism and review in an educational context. You must obtain permission from editorial@aso.gov.au for all other purposes for use of this material.

Terms & Conditions

australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described here and elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.

All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions. ALL rights are reserved.

You must read and agree to the following terms and conditions before downloading this clip:

When you access ABC materials on australianscreen you agree that:

  1. You may download this clip to assist your information, criticism and review purposes in conjunction with viewing this website only;
  2. Downloading this clip for purposes other than criticism and review is Prohibited;
  3. Downloading for purposes other than non-commercial educational uses is Prohibited;
  4. Downloading this clip in association with any commercial purpose is Prohibited;

The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.

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