A powerful and historically insightful feature as, in the 1920s Australian outback, The Tracker (David Gulpilil in one of his finest roles) leads three men in search of an indigenous male accused of murdering a white woman.
It’s confronting stuff as bullying, racist The Fanatic (Gary Sweet) threatens, cajoles, demands capture – and the murder of indigenous men, women and children along the way is part of the process if necessary. But The Tracker bides his time as they move further and further into the stark wilderness.
With its soundtrack of original songs composed by Graham Tardif and performed by Archie Roach along with cutaway shots of primitive-style paintings by Peter Coad of the scenes on-screen, writer/director Rolf de Heer (Ten Canoes, Charlie’s Country) provides a different presentation of a too familiar narrative. The songs are occasionally intrusive but The Tracker remains a forceful reminder of Australian history.
Rating: 79%
Director: Rolf de Heer (Ten Canoes, Charlie’s Country)
Writer: Rolf de Heer (Ten Canoes, Charlie’s Country)
Main cast: David Gulpilil (Rabbit Proof Fence, Australia), Gary Sweet (Alexandra’s Project, Adore), Damon Gameau (Balibo, Charlie’s Country)
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