Walkabout (1971)

Director: Nicolas Roeg
Starring: Jenny Agutter, Luc Roeg & David Gulpilil

* * *

A father takes his two children out to the Australian Outback and tries to kill them. Unsuccessful, he sets fire to his vehicle and shoots himself in the face. Now the children must face the harsh environment of the Outback in their quest to make it home. An aboriginal boy finds the children and helps them on their sojourn as he gradually makes explicit his romantic feelings for the sister.

Walkabout features several graphic and explicit images of animals getting killed by both each other and by human beings. It's not uncommon for the main characters to be scantily clad or fully nude. It's a primal and unapologetic film, and it's jaded as hell.

The aboriginal boy is clearly meant to be filthy and repulsive to the viewer. This portrayal may be meant to mirror the sister's impression of the stranger, but despite its possible intent, the film just reeks of racism. The sister--a young English lady living in Australia--is stubborn and absurdly tries to impose a code of proper British conduct in one of the harshest and most competitive landscapes in the world. Her younger brother is intentionally obnoxious, just as a young boy would be in such a situation. Not understanding the extreme danger his group is in, he treats their journey like an adventure or a game. No one comes out looking good in Walkabout, especially not the English girl.

Walkabout makes a point about dichotomous (un)civilization, modern convenience/barren landscape, etc., but it's such a bitter message. The film is incredibly frustrating and not for those that are put off by senseless killing and stubborn fools.

March 9
apartment TV, morning

* * *

D