Review of Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) by Adrian B — 06 Dec 2010

This is probably the most beautiful horror movie that I didnâ(TM)t âgetâ? ever made and that alone has to count for something (kind of like remembering your own socks when you go bowling). Itâ(TM)s 1900 Australia and everyone at an all-girls school is getting ready for a fantastic trip to the scenic rock of the title.

Granted, you probably have to make your own entertainment in 1900 Australia at an all-girls school, but at least this rock really is legitimately breathtaking with the images and detail it displays on it and in its surrounding area.

Then three girls and a supervisor go missing and the rest of the class returns home without them. When they donâ(TM)t come back that evening or the next day, tensions mount, the head of the school starts seeing her tuition vanish (along with her students) and the mystery grows.

Along the way, we get snippets of information and perspectives from other characters at the rock that day but like the best horror movies, youâ(TM)ve got to work for the answers. And for all the attention paid to the setting and the misdirection and the probable adapting of the book this is based on, thereâ(TM)s not a whole lot going on here to keep your interest.

Maybe itâ(TM)s me, but I had a hard time caring about people that may have been eaten by a massive boulder. Certainly the acting would have assisted in me getting closer and closer to the edge of my seat but aside from our schoolâ(TM)s lead woman, who really runs the spectrum of emotions by the time this thing wraps up, this is pretty tough to sit through from an acting point of view.

Special mention must be given to a duo of young men who attempt to get to the bottom of the mystery. I think they were given their parts for their ability to wear hats triumphantly. Itâ(TM)s not bad, itâ(TM)s not wonderful and Iâ(TM)ll be the first to admit I didnâ(TM)t âgetâ? it.

Itâ(TM)s really pretty to look at but so is the Las Vegas Strip, and you may find yourself wishing both had more substance to back them up.