The Tracker

Last posting for today. Tonight, after coming back from the races, Dad and I sat down to watch ‘The Tracker’. Once again proving that SBS offers the most diverse programming Australia has to offer, the other options were: Comedy Relief and CSI. Tough choice aye. In 2002 a series of Australian movies were released, (The Tracker, Australian Rules and Rabbit Proof Fence), all taking a look at indigenous culture in Australia. However I missed them all and have been longing to see them since. The Tracker reminded me of The Proposition, in that it looked at white Australians entering into the outback on a mission of revenge/justice. Both movies are picturesque demonstrations of the harshness of Australia, in terms of the landscape as well as the people while at the same time finding the obvious beauty of all involved. The landscape is the thing that gets me the most. It is amazing. The enormity of the land is striking, so is the knowledge that the white folk see it as harsh, dangerous and uncaring while the indigenous folk find it welcoming, protecting and spiritual. Can there be no greater contrast?

Northern Territory, Australia

The movie felt like a stage play. There were barely more than four characters in the film. Just four people, the landscape and an amazing soundtrack (sung by Archie Roach). The stage play could have been acted out using shadows/silhouettes to imitate the ‘fleeting’ ‘hidden’ nature of locals, the days activities could have been recounted over the night time fire or in character monologues… one can only dream. I am willing to accept that screen writer is not my calling, however I think it would be an amazing presentation, something that is achievable with a tiny cast.

I also found this quote when looking for movie reviews: 'Mr. Gulpilil (The Tracker) has the mystical aura of a man so profoundly in touch with the earth that he is omniscient and safe from harm.'

A new movie is out now called Wolf Creek. Filmed in the same part of Queensland as the Proposition. Looking forward to seeing it.