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Introduction
“Australia” is a 2008 epic romantic drama film directed by Baz Luhrmann. The movie was set in northern Australia before and during World War II. It features a star-studded cast, including Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, David Wenham, Bryan Brown, and Brandon Walters.
The Storyline
The film follows Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman), an English aristocrat who travels to the remote Northern Territory of Australia to join her husband (Anton Monsted), who is trying to sell a large cattle station called Faraway Downs. When she arrives, she finds that he has been murdered and the station is on the brink of being taken over by a rival cattle baron named King Carney (Bryan Brown).
To save the station and protect her late husband’s legacy, Lady Ashley enlists the help of a rough-and-tumble drover named Drover (Hugh Jackman) to drive her cattle across the Outback to Darwin. Along the way, they encounter an aboriginal boy named Nullah (Brandon Walters), who becomes their guide and friend.
The Plot and Casts
The plot revolves around Lady Ashley’s struggles to keep Faraway Downs from falling into Carney’s hands while also grappling with the realities of life in the Australian outback. The film also deals with themes such as racism towards aboriginal people, stolen generations policies, World War II bombings of Darwin by Japanese forces, and forbidden romance between Lady Ashley and Drover.
The cast delivered impressive performances throughout the film. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman’s chemistry on screen was palpable, and their characters’ dynamic was a joy to watch. Brandon Walters as Nullah was a standout, delivering a powerful performance that showcased his talent at such a young age.
Bryan Brown played the archetypal villain, and he did it so well that you couldn’t help but hate him throughout the entire film. David Wenham, as Neil Fletcher, also delivered an excellent portrayal of the cunning henchman to Carney.
The History
The movie “Australia” is set in the late 1930s and early 1940s, which was a tumultuous time in Australia’s history. The country was grappling with issues such as racism towards aboriginal people and the forced removal of half-caste children from their families.
The film also touches on Australia’s involvement in World War II. Darwin, where much of the film takes place, was bombed by Japanese forces in 1942. This event was a significant turning point in Australian history and is still remembered today as one of the most significant attacks on Australian soil.
The Score and Popularity
The soundtrack for “Australia” features an eclectic mix of music genres ranging from classical to folk songs performed by aboriginal singers.
Despite mixed reviews by critics, “Australia” remains popular among audiences who appreciate its epic scope, stunning cinematography, and memorable performances by its talented cast. The film has grossed over $211 million worldwide since its release in 2008.
Evaluation and Criticism
While “Australia” has its flaws, such as its overly long runtime and some plot contrivances, it is still an enjoyable film that delivers plenty of emotional moments, stunning visuals, and strong performances.
One criticism of the movie is that it simplifies the complex issues surrounding aboriginal people’s treatment in Australia. While the film touches on this subject, some argue that it doesn’t delve deep enough into the nuances of this issue.
Cinematography and Special Effects
One aspect of “Australia” that cannot be ignored is its stunning cinematography. Baz Luhrmann’s use of sweeping shots of the Australian landscape captures the beauty and majesty of the country’s vast terrain. The film’s visual effects, such as the bombing of Darwin, are also impressive and add to the movie’s epic feel.
Opinion on Characters and Acting
The characters in “Australia” are well-developed and multi-dimensional. Lady Ashley, for example, starts off as a prim and proper English aristocrat but soon learns to adapt to life in the Australian outback. Drover starts off as a rough-and-tumble cowboy but shows his compassionate side towards Nullah and Lady Ashley.
The actors’ performances in this film were top-notch across the board. Nicole Kidman delivered a nuanced performance as Lady Ashley, showing both vulnerability and strength. Hugh Jackman was charming as Drover, bringing both humor and gravitas to his role. Brandon Walters shone as Nullah, delivering a performance that was authentic and powerful.
Analyzing the Scenes
The scene where Drover rescues Nullah from the Mission Island is one of the movie’s most emotional scenes. The music, the camera work, and the acting come together to deliver a poignant moment that tugs at your heartstrings.
Another standout scene is when Lady Ashley and Drover dance together under the stars. The scene is beautifully shot, and Kidman and Jackman’s chemistry on screen is electric.
Gossip and Quotes
One quote that stands out from “Australia” is when Drover tells Nullah, “You sing it, and you mean it, and it’ll reach into every heart.” This moment encapsulates the importance of storytelling in aboriginal culture and how it can connect people from different backgrounds.
There were rumors that Nicole Kidman was pregnant during filming, but she debunked those rumors in an interview with Barbara Walters, saying that she was just gaining weight for her role.
Soundtracks and Editing
The soundtrack for “Australia” features a mix of classical music, aboriginal folk songs sung by Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu and Delta Goodrem’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The music adds to the film’s emotional impact and helps drive the narrative forward.
The editing in “Australia” is seamless, seamlessly weaving together scenes to create a cohesive story that moves at a steady pace. Baz Luhrmann’s use of slow-motion shots also adds to the film’s epic feel.
Productions and Crews
Baz Luhrmann directed “Australia,” and he also co-wrote the screenplay with Stuart Beattie, Ronald Harwood, and Richard Flanagan. The film was produced by G. Mac Brown, Catherine Martin, and Baz Luhrmann.
The cinematography for “Australia” was done by Mandy Walker, who captured the stunning landscapes of the Australian outback on camera. The music was composed by David Hirschfelder, who worked closely with aboriginal musicians to create an authentic soundtrack for the movie.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Australia” is a beautifully shot film that delivers strong performances from its talented cast. While it may have some flaws, such as its overly long runtime and simplistic treatment of complex issues surrounding aboriginal people’s treatment in Australia at that time, it is still an enjoyable movie that delivers plenty of emotional moments and stunning visuals. It is a must-watch for fans of epic romantic dramas set against the backdrop of a country as vast and beautiful as Australia.