Review of Wake in Fright (1971) by Jj M — 22 Aug 2011
John is a young teacher on his way to Sydney stops at Bundanyabba, a rough town in the Australian outback. It starts off innocently enough, but son John finds himself falling deeper and deeper in a depraved world where he ends up doing things in which he will never forget.
Wake in Fright's visual design perfectly pulls you into this character's mind as he falls into a complete sense of degeneracy. The film has some amazing sequences with great use of editing sound.
The scene where he goes "hunting" with his friends is visually stunning and emotionally destructive. Even though it wouldn't fit the classical description, I would call it a psychological horror film, and its easily one of the best of all time.
Oh, and man, how do these guys not die of dehydration? They pretty much have a beer in their hand at all times of the day,in the middle of the desert! Its awesome. If you are a fan of Donald Pleasence, this is a performance you do not want to miss.
A burning portrait of depravity in society, this is a fantastic film and possibly my favorite from Australia.
This review of Wake in Fright (1971) was written by Jj M on 22 Aug 2011.
Wake in Fright has generally received very positive reviews.
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