(part of the CineWorldTrip)
For the summer break from his government sponsored teaching job in an Australian village in the middle of knowhere, John Grant plans to reunite with his girlfriend in Sidney.
On the way, a stop-over in another small town has disastrous consequences.
John meets some locals who lure him into a frenetic night of drinking, gambling, fighting and hunting. This allows John’s (self-)destructive nature to fully manifest itself.
This is a no holds barred representation of Outback life in the late seventies. Men and women barely contained by basic civilization and beyond any respect for life.
This long lost film is especially infamous for the kangaroo hunting sequence, and rightly so. Despite the disclaimer after the credits, the gruesomeness, savageness and cruelty of it can not be overestimated.
But in the context of, and combined with all other events it serves a mighty punch. Circumstances allowing, people are capable of anything.
The film is beautifully shot, taking full advantage of the wide and desolate scorching planes of the Australian Outback. At the same time it also has this typical 70’s unapologetic rawness and sleazy realism. Difficult to look at, but at the same time strangely captivating and honest.
This is particularly true for the portrayal of the character Doc Tydon by Donald Pleasance. Utterly repulsive, yet completely charismatic.
Recommended
(If you want to watch this film, let me know)
Rick at the Movies 