Walkabout (Criterion Collection)
05-27-01, 07:52 AM
#1
Banned
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A strong enduring character study of two English children stranded in the Australian outback and their Aboriginal saviour.
The film examines the juxtaposition of "civilized" and "uncivilized" cultures. And examines the barriers to communication between. It is the girl who finds communication impossible, unable to "think outside the box." Perhaps the young boy finds it easier simply because his indoctrination into "civilized" society is not yet complete.
This film pulls no punches in certain areas and is not for the squeamish. The hunting, the carcasses, the limbs of slain animals. Those aren't special effects, but the real thing. You'll not find any "No animals were harmed during the production of this film" disclaimers here. But it is not exploitive and is done to make a point, that the ultimate differences between our various human cultures are small indeed.
The cinematography matches and even surpasses that of another beautifully filmed (thou fatally flawed) Australian film, "Picnic at Hanging Rock."
The main female lead, Jennie Agutter, though she portrays a 14 year old girl, was 18 years of age during the filming. So don't feel too bad if you find some enjoyment in her nude scene. Again, they are not exploitive, so you'll probably just end up marveling at the context in which it is presented, that of utter freedom with herself and her surroundings. A moment that in time that she is unable to capture for the rest of her life.
The commentary track is very informative, and worth listening too on a repeat viewing.
Great film. Well worth owning.
The film examines the juxtaposition of "civilized" and "uncivilized" cultures. And examines the barriers to communication between. It is the girl who finds communication impossible, unable to "think outside the box." Perhaps the young boy finds it easier simply because his indoctrination into "civilized" society is not yet complete.
This film pulls no punches in certain areas and is not for the squeamish. The hunting, the carcasses, the limbs of slain animals. Those aren't special effects, but the real thing. You'll not find any "No animals were harmed during the production of this film" disclaimers here. But it is not exploitive and is done to make a point, that the ultimate differences between our various human cultures are small indeed.
The cinematography matches and even surpasses that of another beautifully filmed (thou fatally flawed) Australian film, "Picnic at Hanging Rock."
The main female lead, Jennie Agutter, though she portrays a 14 year old girl, was 18 years of age during the filming. So don't feel too bad if you find some enjoyment in her nude scene. Again, they are not exploitive, so you'll probably just end up marveling at the context in which it is presented, that of utter freedom with herself and her surroundings. A moment that in time that she is unable to capture for the rest of her life.
The commentary track is very informative, and worth listening too on a repeat viewing.
Great film. Well worth owning.
05-28-01, 11:24 PM
#2
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Seattle
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I finally saw this recently via a rental from an online store and thought that it was a very good story and very well paced. Personally, I didn't plan to watch it again, but found myself sitting through it again when it was broadcast on the Independent Film Channel or Sundance, I can't recall.
I really enjoyed the relationships and how they gradually changed between all the characters.
I really enjoyed the relationships and how they gradually changed between all the characters.
05-29-01, 12:22 AM
#3
DVD Talk Gold Edition
a very special movie.
i bought it without having seen it, and i'm glad i have it. it's not for everybody, but if your an adventurous filmgoer you'll be rewarded with a very unique experience.
the transfer isn't anamorphic and on my 53" digital it looked only fair until i hooked up a progressive scan player then the image just POPPED. all the vivid sky blues and rocky reds and oranges looked spectacular.
i bought it without having seen it, and i'm glad i have it. it's not for everybody, but if your an adventurous filmgoer you'll be rewarded with a very unique experience.
the transfer isn't anamorphic and on my 53" digital it looked only fair until i hooked up a progressive scan player then the image just POPPED. all the vivid sky blues and rocky reds and oranges looked spectacular.
05-29-01, 07:27 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Arcadia, CA
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think Nicholas Roeg's Walkabout is one of the finest films ever made. It's such a deceptively simple yet incredibly complex film. As mentioned above, Criterion's DVD looks magnificent through a progressive scan DVD player on a 16:9 display. Roeg's direction and cinematography, Barry's score, and Jenny Agutter are superb. Also, I believe Agutter was 16, not 18 when the movie was filmed.
05-30-01, 12:56 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: California on the Rogers Faultline
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is one of those movies that sucked me into its world whenever it showed up on cable. Finally I got the DVD and watch it occasionally almost as a meditation on man and nature and everything else. Jenny Agutter and her little brother are so real, and aborigine David Gilpalil is fascinating. The commentary track is a pleasure, especially Jenny's recollections of the filming. A beautiful, thought-provoking movie to savor for years.
06-13-01, 03:56 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Kubrick City, U.S.A.
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Justin Doring
Also, I believe Agutter was 16, not 18 when the movie was filmed.
Also, I believe Agutter was 16, not 18 when the movie was filmed.
