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Australian film

The 'best Australian history film' is not really an easy task because it is subjective but from my point of view i really enjoy The Man from Snowy River. The movie is based from Australian literature written by Banjo Patterson about the Australian bushmen and their way of life.

"There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around
That the colt from old Regret had got away,
And had joined the wild bush horses -- he was worth a thousand pound,
So all the cracks had gathered to the fray.
All the tried and noted riders from the stations near and far
Had mustered at the homestead overnight,
For the bushmen love hard riding where the wild bush horses are,
And the stockhorse snuffs the battle with delight.
(http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/Reviews/Reviews.asp?ReviewID=4590&SID=17&PID=109543)

One aspect that helped bring authenticity is the fact that they were Australian actors. In many movies these days it has become common that although starring Australians the actors seem to be more American than anything therefore creating a Hollywood feel to the film. In the second film of The Man from Snowy River they replaced the actor who played Harrison with an American and i feel that it changed the way i felt about the film.

There is something extremely comforting about this Australian cinematic legend and it can mostly be attributed to the honest adaptation of some truly inspiring source material and a comprehensive understanding of what makes our Banjo Patterson's epic poem so unique.

Granted, there has been a great deal of creative licence taken with getting the story expanded from a poem of a few stanzas through to a 100-minute long feature film, but the overall feel of the material doesn't falter between the mediums.

Director George Miller (not to be confused with George " Mad Max" Miller) successfully manages to transport us back to a much simpler time in our short history, and his work in capturing the harshness of what this rugged land was like is extraordinary. (Miller, C 2004 http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=8902&s=DVD Accessed 11/11/09)

The fact that there were gaps in the performance of the actors also gives a more natural feeling to the movie which seems to add that B grade feeling but that honesty and reality. It highlights the very idea that is evident in other Australian films such as Gallipoli that the Australian man has had to work hard to achieve anything and that nothing is easy but he will accomplish it and master it for example the harsh land of Australia and Gallipoli, the battle against those in authority.

Australians and the Australian culture is used to create this film and as a result it captures the lifestyle that many stock men were living and the tension and attitudes that existed between stock men and landowners. The fight to save what is their own and not lose it to another authoritarian that was trying to change the Australian way of life. This is the spirit of the 'sacrificial hero' and the 'Australian legend' that is instilled in the heart of many Australians. It is the fight to maintain dignity and the fight for freedom (fight for freedom is represented by the colt).

It was a classic Australian movie and if not the best definately a genuine film that captures not only the picturesque Australian landscape it definately captures the heart of the Australian Bushmen.

Posted by manduhjoy on 2009-11-12 17:39:14 | Rating: