The Tracker (2002)
Theatrical Release Information | See Details About All Versions
Experimental director Rolf DeHeer's film The Tracker depicts a controversial moment in the Australian justice system, in doing so taking on a popular topic among Australian filmmakers--the complicated and too often racist relationship between Aboriginals and locals. When an Aboriginal tracker (David Gulpilil) leads the manhunt for a fugitive native, a series of atrocities are performed on the ancient tribe by a sadistic policeman participating in the search party. The line between savage and civilian is blurred beyond recognition when Fanatic (Gary Sweet), the policeman, massacres a large group of peaceful Aboriginals. It eventually becomes clear that the tracker, who purposely keeps the Aboriginal a half-day ahead of the search party, is in control of the operation and has his own mysterious agenda. DeHeer takes a unique approach in the direction of this film; opting to show graphic paintings by artist Peter Coad during violent moments in lieu of filming bloody scenes among the actors. The drama itself is often contradicted by haunting, plaintive songs with lyrics written by DeHeer himself. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 95 mins
Complete Cast:
- David Gulpilil - Tracker
- Damon Gameau - Follower
- Noel Wilton - Fugitive
- Gary Sweet - Fanatic
- Grant Page - Veteran
- Director(s):
- Rolf de Heer
- Writer(s):
- Rolf de Heer
- Producer(s):
- Julie Ryan, Rolf de Heer
- Closed Captioning:
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- Subtitles:
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- 2002 - The Tracker - Australian Film Institute Awards - Best Actor
- 2002 - The Tracker - Australian Film Institute Awards - Best Picture
- 2002 - The Tracker - Australian Writers Guild - Best Picture
- 2002 - The Tracker - Film Critics Circle of Australia - Best Score
- 2002 - The Tracker - Film Critics Circle of Australia - Best Picture
- 2003 - The Tracker - Paris Film Festival - Press Award
- 2002 - The Tracker - Screen Music Awards - Best Score
