Ebert praised this to high heaven in a review. I used to go through his yearly collections and pick out the four star flicks and watch them.
I cannot recall if I watched this all the way through. I must have been only 15-years-old or so and know I was bored with it.I should re-watch this and another Australia set flick, WALKABOUT.
Of that trio, WALKABOUT might be my least-favored, but only because Roeg is so caught up in his hobbyhorses in a way that Weir, a more thoughtful artist as I see him, isn't. But WALKABOUT is perhaps the best Roeg film I recall, though I remain very fond of CASTAWAY beyond the delightful display (and remarkably assured performance) of Amanda Donohoe, and a similarly good performance (even if a bit typecast, but really, who better?) by Oliver Reed. I hope everyone's seen THE LAST WAVE.
My comment to Megan: The mystery of sexuality especially in its Victorian social context, as the film explores the subject, seems to be the subject of the film, and your analysis finds much that illuminates it. I think the frustrated reactions of some to the film and its non ending tap back into the maddening mystery of sexuality we all once struggled through and consider "solved," though I'd argue that we never do.
THE LAST WAVE was Weir's next film after HANGING ROCK. And his most explicitly horror film so far. Also, easily the best work I've seen from (and the best use of) Richard Chamberlain.
The question at the heart of THE LAST WAVE runs deeper than it first appears: "Who are you?" What's most remarkable is that every character in the story, even those who know enough to ask, would really rather not know the answer, fear that they already know...
Ebert praised this to high heaven in a review. I used to go through his yearly collections and pick out the four star flicks and watch them.
ReplyDeleteI cannot recall if I watched this all the way through. I must have been only 15-years-old or so and know I was bored with it.I should re-watch this and another Australia set flick, WALKABOUT.
I saw it on a big screen many years ago and loved it.
ReplyDeleteGood, thought-provoking article. I have not seen the film, though I've heard of it.
ReplyDeleteI especially remember the great music.
ReplyDeleteMy all-time favorite flick.
ReplyDeleteA few weeks ago, TCM showed this along with The Last Wave and Walkabout. A terrific evening of cinema.
ReplyDeleteOh, boy. Do I wish I had caught that trio. Yes, a truly haunting movie.
ReplyDeleteI saw PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK years ago. I need to watch it again after reading Megan's great review!
ReplyDeleteOf that trio, WALKABOUT might be my least-favored, but only because Roeg is so caught up in his hobbyhorses in a way that Weir, a more thoughtful artist as I see him, isn't. But WALKABOUT is perhaps the best Roeg film I recall, though I remain very fond of CASTAWAY beyond the delightful display (and remarkably assured performance) of Amanda Donohoe, and a similarly good performance (even if a bit typecast, but really, who better?) by Oliver Reed. I hope everyone's seen THE LAST WAVE.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Who Better, I'm not sure there's a better candidate for this task right now than Megan.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if I have seen those two.
ReplyDeleteFascinating and thoughtful article! I have to see that film and really let it sink in I think.
ReplyDeleteAlso saw PICNIC on a huge screen and have never forgotten it. Seeing it again recently, I was surprised to learn that it was not a true story.
ReplyDeleteMy comment to Megan: The mystery of sexuality especially in its Victorian social context, as the film explores the subject, seems to be the subject of the film, and your analysis finds much that illuminates it. I think the frustrated reactions of some to the film and its non ending tap back into the maddening mystery of sexuality we all once struggled through and consider "solved," though I'd argue that we never do.
ReplyDeleteTHE LAST WAVE was Weir's next film after HANGING ROCK. And his most explicitly horror film so far. Also, easily the best work I've seen from (and the best use of) Richard Chamberlain.
ReplyDeleteThe question at the heart of THE LAST WAVE runs deeper than it first appears: "Who are you?" What's most remarkable is that every character in the story, even those who know enough to ask, would really rather not know the answer, fear that they already know...
ReplyDelete