Review of Long Weekend (1979) by Juan C — 05 Jun 2011

Musings on Long Weekend:

I actually had no deep dislike for the couple and my favourite aspect.

Was this conflict. I thought it was just showing them through their.

Most strained period where dislikable traits are more apparent. Few.

Films actually show such conflicts as it is harder to build empathy.

With the characters. I respected this and was still on their side. It.

Also has the moment where the inevitable divorce becomes final. While.

Stuck in a car together. In fact the whole concept of being trapped.

Together during this conflict intensifies the claustrophobia. I was.

Never hoping they would get killed as it was set against a level of.

Realism, and simply having bad traits isn't worthy of the ultimate.

Perhaps enjoying the conflict with the relationship so much, I found.

The nature aspect to be secondary. I'm still struggling to think how.

Overt such a message is meant to be. I still don't see it as a nature.

Fighting back theme, rather nature overcoming them (similar sentiments.

To Rescue Dawn) and how they destroy themselves. All the incidents are.

Plausible and I never felt it was contrived. I also like the way they.

Made reference to this, which in 1977 was in no way ironic!

One thing to marvel at is the pacing. You would think every.

Conceivable idea would be easily exhausted but I was continually.

Surprised and my interest never wavered. This is high praise.

Considering it could have easily turned bland and dull given the.

Limited possibilities.

The petrol station scene is brilliantly conceived and one of the.

Reasons I love the film. It sets up an ominous and paranoid tone, and.

Gives off the possibility of the film turning into a slasher film.

This is further magnified when the other people show up on the beach,.

But remain unseen. Not only that but the creature in the sea leaves.

The possibility of the film turning into a creature feature. It is an.

Expertly handled genre mash.

I love the twist related to the abortion. It adds such depth to the.

Film and is so unexpected yet makes sense at the same time. I don't.

Actually think there is any anti or pro alignment with the issue. It.

Is just used to show how the experience represents a loss that cannot.

Be rectified.

And the ending! It could not have been more perfect. Firstly, the.

Spear. I actually heard birds and screams at the same time where I.

Thought they had cleverly used the female actress to scream like a.

Bird. To fool the audience!

Secondly, the last 20 minutes with no dialogue and the character.

Running through a living nightmare. He has simply lost everything. The.

Inevitable snakes finally appear during this sequence. Saved for the.

Finale!

Then finally the brilliant conclusion. Pitch perfect.

I think the driver may have actually been one pf the people at the hotel.

I also loved how certain aspects were left unexplained like the.

Children's play set and the white van and the mysterious arrow sign.

It leaves a weird and eerie feeling.

Special mention also goes to the level of foreshadowing. The frozen.

Turkey at the beginning. The kangaroo being run over. The baby cries.

Of the creature. The spear that inadvertently goes off. The white car.

They overtake and the white car on the beach. Passing the same object.

Twice.