An mentally unstable man takes his school-age children into the Australian outback where through circumstances they are left to fend for themselves. With no survival skills they face the harsh elements that this environment throws at them. They are lucky enough to hook up with a young Aboriginal teen who is on his ceremony into manhood. He takes the two with him on his journey and exposes them to a world so different from their own.
Another film that CB picked up at his run down repertory movie house. The only thing I knew about this film going in was what I picked up from the poster. Also I knew it would be different because it was showing at the place where I caught off the track movies (and this was an off the track film). The film took me into this world and kept me engaged from start to finish. The direction, performances, story and the beautiful cinematography all played a part. It’s an assault on the senses. The images are relentless. The cuts between the modern world’s amenities and the outback’s harsh reality put things into perspective. Nicolas Roeg makes a choice to have a radio with the kids. Hearing it played while lost brings an odd effect to the film. It’s the soundtrack. I liked it.
The three leads bring an innocence and realism to the film. Luc Roeg brings a young boy’s innocence to his role. Jenny Agutter as the older sister, wearing her school uniform trying to keep things together with her proper English upbringing. It just doesn’t work in this environment. She gives a solid truthful performance. David Gulpilil as the young Aborigine is absolutely perfect. No false moments. He’s the real deal. The three are perfect casting.
For CB the main character is the Australian Outback. You experience a feel for it without being there. Visually fantastic. What motion Pictures were made to do. National Geographic with a story. CB loves wild untouched things and this film delivers that. It’s a raw, brutal, violent and beautiful walk and you know how CB loves a good walk. So get on the couch or your most comfortable chair and nestle in for a very good film experience.
They couldn’t make a film like “Walkabout” today – just the idea of a 16 year old girl appearing naked would rule it out. I think the film goes back to a more innocent world. It comes across as an extended dream sequence of inter-racial accommodation bookended with the brutality of the Anglo world.
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There’s that and a whole lot more going on in this film. The shrinking of the natural beauty of the Outback, the young Aboriginal’s ceremony of becoming a man, just the whole survival aspect. The whole “radio” idea of how close the civilized world was and how a way of life was disappearing. Really good film.
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I think “Walkabout” works in many ways. As a coming-of-age film, a psychological thriller, a documentary, a tragedy, and even as excellent childrens film. Whether or not you have interest in the subject matter is irrelevant. It’s my favorite Nicholas Roeg movie along with “Don’t Look Now” and “The Man Who Fell To Earth”.
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I agree. Such a good piece of film making on so many levels like I already said.
I have only seen ‘Performance’. Time to catch up on his other films. They all look worth a watch.
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I found this a really affecting film when I saw it for the first time when I was 15. For al the right and wrong reasons. I agree David Gulpilil is incredible in the film.
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This music/film thing we do stirs all sorts of things up. 15 year old boy? Are you kidding me? A bombardment on the senses for so many reasons.
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Yup, I watched it very late night when my parents were out. Blew my mind.
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Like most the films I dig it has staying power. Images that you can’t forget.
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Hi. Saw this years ago and liked it a lot. Have you read Songlines, by Bruce Chatwin? It’s set in the outback. A good book. See ya!
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I’m all over that book Neil. Thanks. Why does that name sound familiar?
(By the way, how did that Ribot show go that you seen a few weeks ago?)
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Great show. A trio of Ribot, Jamaaladeen Tacuma and Will Calhoun. They were loud and rocking.
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Again, hitting it out of the park, with your recs CB! I will watch this! Cya! ✌
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My work is done here. CB will move onto the next town.
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I saw this years ago. It was somewhat of a critical favorite. i have occasion to think of it recently as Jenny Agutter is now on a British TV show my wife likes called “Call The Midwife.” She plays a nun or a nurse or something.
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She’s very good in this. The “radio” thing I alluded to in the piece plays a Rod Stewart song maybe even the one you’re tired of. That’s a long time ago.
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Movie and song were out about the same time. I remember a scene in “The Exorcist” where a couple of priests are sitting in a crowded D.C bar talking and Ramblin’ Man is blaring away in the background.
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Don’t get me going for an idea for a post.
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Wouldnt consider it.
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I’ve never heard of this, CB. Sounds pretty weighty and the kind of thing that sticks with you.
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You like film so I think you would like this one. It’s a step away from the usual fare. Well worth the time J.
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I do like a step away from the usual fare. Added to the ever growing list of films I need to see (under ‘CB recommends’).
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I had lots of support on this one, let me list them. That lover of film, 1537, The Boston Bad Boy, Music Enthusiast, The Great Hot Fox. The always dependable celluloid expert, Green Pete. And the Philly Kid, Yeah Another Blogger. So don’t take CB’s word for it, all these heavy hitters give it the nod.
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I’ll go edit that list!
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Now, I just await the final word from that fine film lover and champion caber tosser, Vinyl Daft Dad.
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I forgot to also mention that other film aficionado, Sarca.
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Excellent movie which I saw for the first time a year or two ago. Both you and hotfox63 have good observations. It’s a slow-moving, mature film with several levels, and probably requires subsequent viewings. Since you like the Australian outback, CB, let me suggest “Evil Angels” (aka “A Cry in the Dark”), based on a true story. A little-known gem with a standout performance by Meryl Streep. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_Angels_(film)
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You finding the movie “excellent” just recently is a true test of the films timelessness.
I have know of that Streep film for years and never pulled the trigger. I guess it’s time. Lots of good films from Australia.
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An amazing film. Long time favourite of mine. Really enters your dreams.
Thom
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It certainly has a dream like quality or maybe it’s the heat exhaustion you feel from the film. Good film-making none the less.
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I agree the cinematography is exceptional, and I love John Barry’s score, the track “Back To Nature” touches the soul.
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Again when used right, like in this film, the “score’ just enhances the experience. Love comments like yours where you are moved by certain parts. Walkabout was one big emotional ride for me.
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