Thirteen years on, The Boys is still the ur-text of ‘killer bogan' cinema. David Michôd transmuted its lumpen terror into Greek tragedy; now Justin Kurzel recasts Animal Kingdom's lumpen teenage protagonist to show how evil can come disguised as love and protection. To an atmospheric soundtrack by the director's brother Jed Kurzel (which, fortunately, does not interpolate Live's Throwing Copper), serial killer John Bunting (Daniel Henshall) grooms Jamie Vlassakis (Lucas Pittaway) to participate in the notorious ‘bodies in barrels' murders.
Snowtown is grim, powerful viewing. Its lost characters (a refreshingly unknown cast) inhabit a twilight world that mainstream institutions aren't inclined to penetrate. You can see why Bunting's homophobic vigilantism - ridding the neighbourhood of a local paedophile - initially made him a hero to Jamie's mum Elizabeth (Louise Harris). As Bunting, Henshall intertwines savagery and tenderness with unnerving skill. Suburban treats of ice-cream vans, green curry meals and home haircuts escalate chillingly into bullying, animal cruelty, torture and body disposal. Kurzel's impressionistic, languid gaze is sometimes a weakness; the pace lags in the second half and some characters and events remain unclear. And when the film finally reveals the notorious Snowtown bank vault, it's an oddly opaque, anticlimactic climax.
Snowtown
When:
In cinemas from May 19
Watch the trailer:
Here
Win:
Thanks to Madman, we have a special preview screening at Dendy Portside, Mon May 16, 6.30pm! A dbl pass for the first 50 people to email us with the subject 'Selling the Drama' Email to
brisbane.win@rightanglestudio.com.au
Australian Competitions Club
