FF 2009 Review. Van Diemen's Land
Van Diemen's Land tells the supposed true story about a group of prisoners, in the early 1800's working in a labor camp on the island that would later be called Tasmania. The film basis its premise on the recounts of Alexander Pearce, the only survivor from a group of eight prisoners who escape in to the dense rainforest with little idea of what was in store for them.
At first the men relish their sudden freedom, but early on, when food runs out and some can't quite keep up with the rest tensions rise and alliances are formed. Of course the men escaped from one prison only to be caught in another one, which seems to be endless and far more dangerous and when not a morsel of food is left and cooking their garments doesn't seem to be doing the trick, the burning hunger takes control and some of them decide that the weakest of the bunch should be offered for the rest.
And so it goes as paranoia takes over as to which one of them is next for the plate.
While it might sound like it would be perfect for a proper cannibal horror movie Van Diemen's Land is anything but. What it is though is a powerful drama about a group of men facing death on both sides of the coin and having to chose which way to go. It just happens that they chose to eat each other.
Aside from great performances from the cast, which many perform largely in Gaelic, the surroundings are one of the most stunning things about it, captured perfectly by cinematographer Ellery Ryan. The lack of "sound" and minimal score also helps to capture the isolation of these characters trapped in a wide open prison. The vastness of the thing is almost overwhelming.
The film is deliberately paced as well, taking its time telling the story and getting to know those on the menu. If Terence Malick ever made a cannibal movie this would be it.
This a wonderful film by a first time feature director and is certainly someone to keep an eye on in the future.
Van Diemen's Land screens again on the 27th of September and I highly recommend you catch it.
Van Diemen's Land
Director(s)
- Jonathan auf der Heide
Writer(s)
- Jonathan auf der Heide (screenplay)
- Oscar Redding (screenplay)
Cast
- Oscar Redding
- Arthur Angel
- Paul Ashcroft
- Thomas M. Wright
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