Walkabout (1971)

Walkabout (1971)
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The contrast between modern, urban civilization and life in the natural world lies at the heart of Nicolas Roeg's visually dazzling drama Walkabout. In broad outline, the plot might resemble a standard fish-out-of-water tale: two city children become stranded in the Australian outback, and struggle to find their way back to civilization with the help of a friendly aborigine boy. But Roeg and screenwriter Edward Bond are concerned with far more than the average wilderness drama, as a shocking act of violence near the story's beginning makes clear. This is particularly true in regards to the relationship between the white children and the aborigine boy, who ultimately develops a troubled romantic attraction towards the older sister. Obviously intended as a statement on the exploitation of the natural world and native cultures by European civilization, the film nevertheless maintains an evocative vagueness that usually -- but not always -- favors poetry over didacticism. Most importantly, the film's justifiably acclaimed cinematography is likely to sway even those who find fault with the film's narrative and message. The shift between the sterile city images and the truly stunning, beautifully composed Australian landscapes provide the film's single best argument, making the film a vivid and convincing experience. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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Starring:
Jenny AgutterLucien John, (more)
Director(s):
Nicolas Roeg
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray
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Synopsis of Walkabout

The contrast between modern, urban civilization and life in the natural world lies at the heart of Nicolas Roeg's visually dazzling drama Walkabout. In broad outline, the plot might resemble a standard fish-out-of-water tale: two city children become stranded in the Australian outback, and struggle to find their way back to civilization with the help of a friendly aborigine boy. But Roeg and screenwriter Edward Bond are concerned with far more than the average wilderness drama, as a shocking act of violence near the story's beginning makes clear. This is particularly true in regards to the relationship between the white children and the aborigine boy, who ultimately develops a troubled romantic attraction towards the older sister. Obviously intended as a statement on the exploitation of the natural world and native cultures by European civilization, the film nevertheless maintains an evocative vagueness that usually -- but not always -- favors poetry over didacticism. Most importantly, the film's justifiably acclaimed cinematography is likely to sway even those who find fault with the film's narrative and message. The shift between the sterile city images and the truly stunning, beautifully composed Australian landscapes provide the film's single best argument, making the film a vivid and convincing experience. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
100 mins

Complete Cast of Walkabout


Director(s):
Nicolas Roeg
Writer(s):
Edward Bond
Producer(s):
Si LitvinoffMax Raab
Categories:
Action / Adventure
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    Steven G.

    I first saw "Walkabout" at an art house cinema back in the early 80's and really enjoyed it. It is a simple tale of a couple of white children who are left stranded in the Australian outback and how the help of a young aborigine brings them back to safety. But it also deals with fears, survival, cultural breakthrough, a love of nature and innocence among the three. Nice story, beautifully photographed. Warning: not for children. 2 nude scenes, 1 topless scene and 2 deaths make me warn away anyone under 18. Director Nicolas Roeg's audio commentary along with actress Jenny Aguiterre is wonderfully informative.

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    Patrice J.

    I hadn't read the synopsis, so thinking this was going to be an Aboriginal (subtitled) WALKABOUT, I was taken by surprize. What an incredible story and cinamatography. We are so confined by our lack of cultural understanding of each other and the results are affirmed in this tragic story. Did she realizre it with time?

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    Jonathan G.

    For being such a quiet film, Walkabout is beautifully articulate. it's silence is in many ways the mcguffin of the story: it is introduced early on, creates a sense of an almost dreamlike suspense, and ultimately becomes a weapon used against one of it's characters. So listen closely and you may hear the exact moment in the film when said character reaches not just the end of a journey, but the point of no return. A masterpiece.

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