Holy Shit Balls! This flick is fierce. Van Diemens Land caught my interest as Ive recently moved to the Island myself.
Writer and director Jonathan auf der Heide (a recent VCA grad) This feature is based on his film "Hells Gates" (short film of the same story)
Granted he had a shit hot cinemaotographer (Ellery Ryan) and producer (Maggie Miles)but his vision was clearly executed here.
From the opening scene of dense Tasmanian rainforest set to a Gaelic voiceover we know this ain't no "Man from Snowy River"
The movie depicts the startling revelations made by notorious convict Alexander Pearce. Pearce and 7 others escape into the wilderness to assume freedom from the harsh punishments inflicted at Sarah Island.(perhaps they should of stayed put)
We are initially entertained by the lively UK lads. Their shananigans and dirty jokes are endearing. Unfortunately the group soon realize the implications of their baron conditions.
Survival of the fittest.
The unthinkable becomes the only option left.
I think the strongest aspect of this film is the script. Yes it was only 24 pages,but every word- poignant. Describing" the men that God had forgotten"
The casting was spot on. Giving some lesser known Australian actors a lil limelight.
In particular Oscar Redding who plays Pearce. A talented man who also co wrote the script. Reddings rendition of Pearce illustrates that the convicted isnt always guilty.
My attention was also focused on character actor Arthur Angel. He plays sinister Sailor Robert Greenhill. A layered performance.Angel was adept at commisioning the death of his comrades. But was also seen in a moment of rare tenderness towards mate Matthew Travers (played by Paul Ashcroft)
This film was made for a song. Everyone believed in the project so much that they were prepared to freeze their tits off and work their guts out.
It payed off.
This film lingers like your first kiss.
Much is implied but nothing sensored.
NOT for the fainthearted.
Well done boys n girls.
Jax
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