Movie: Walkabout

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.