Jason KingSNOWTOWN: A Review
May 4th 2011 21:23
:
It Made Me Physically Ill
Category: Reviews
Snowtown is one of the most fucked up films I have ever seen. No film has made feel so physically ill like this one - I haven't been this claustrophobic since Funny Games. It's a 10/10 film but I fucking hate it and recommend you stay away from it.
I had been keen to see this film ever since I had heard about it. It looked very Animal Kingdom-like and is made by some of the same people, namely the DOP Adam Arkapaw.
Sixteen-year-old Jamie lives with his mother, Elizabeth, and two younger brothers, Alex and Nicholas, in a housing trust home in Adelaide's northern suburbs. Their home is but one of many sun-starved houses crammed together to cater for a disenfranchised society.
Jamie longs for an escape from the violence and hopelessness that surrounds him and his salvation arrives in the form of John, a charismatic man who unexpectedly comes to his aid.
As John spends more and more time with Jamie's family, Elizabeth and her boys begin to experience a stability and sense of family that they have never known.
John moves from the role of Jamie's protector to that of a mentor, indoctrinating Jamie into his world, a world brimming with bigotry, righteousness and malice.
Like a son mimicking his father, Jamie soon begins to take on some of John's traits and beliefs as he spends more and more time with him and his select group of friends.
The protection and guidance that John presents to Jamie is initially welcomed however as events occur around him, including the disappearance of several people, Jamie begins to harbour deep suspicions about John and his motivations.
When the truth is finally revealed to Jamie his hopes of happiness are threatened by both his loyalty for, and fear of, his father-figure John Bunting, Australia's most notorious serial killer.
Enjoying this film is akin to getting off on the Shocking Asia films of the 80s or from being aroused by watching someone run over.
It is ALL YANG, not one positive thing in the entire film, welcome to Dante's Hell, where the lead starts the film getting sodomised and ends up in the film being rooted. Not one person in the film smiles or enjoys anything. I could have enjoyed slashing my wrists compared to the joy levels these characters experience.
Sam asked me after the film "Is it worse than The Loved Ones?" - The Loved Ones is POP HORROR and is actually humorous in many parts. This film is appalling horror. It's not visual or over the top. It's a feast on your soul. The film finished one hour ago and I am writing this review on the bus - it is my therapy as I still feel ill. I wanted to leave the screening 30mins in as I knew it was heading towards hell but I had to stick it out.
As horrendous as it is and gut-wrenchingly wrong the film is a masterpiece at what it does.
Shaun Grant has written a horribly brilliant screenplay based heavily on the facts of the Snowtown "Bodies in the Barrels" murders from the 90s. It feels as though he actually channeled and created the birth of a serial killer.
And Justin Kurzel has brought it to an overly real and depressing reality in the film. This film will bring much controversy, pain and anguish for the many people living or involved in this horrific tale. It ruined me and the closest I got was stopping in Snowtown on a drive to Alice Springs.
The question that keeps going over and over in my head is why make this film? Why show us the most horrific life journey of this tortured soul? I know it will probably win abundant awards because what it does it does brilliantly but fuck me; I wish I never heard of it.
The success of its hideousness lies in its casting and the sound/ score of the film. A lot of the characters are actually from the area. Lucas Pittaway is brilliant as the devil's bitch and considering it's his first time acting he could potentially go a long way. Daniel Henshall is sublime and beyond chilling as the devil himself, John Bunting. I consider his portrayal the most frightening and realistic of all serial killers onscreen. He makes Henry and Hannibal Lecter look like Hansel and Gretel. I have actually seen him in some Belvoir St Theatre productions and he could easily pass as Gyton Grantley's doppelganger, brilliant acting. Louise Harris is also brilliant as Elizabeth, the poor fucked up Mum dealing with so much shit in her life. She had no exit from this hell.
Adam Arkapaw shot the film and continues with the exact same styling he used for Animal Kingdom and the film is edited by industry stalwart Veronika Jehet who has done such things as her Oscar winning work on The Piano plus Rabbit Proof Fence and many other films.
The sound design is by Frank Lipson who started back in the day on The Sullivan's and Cop Shop and he has a warehouse of awards for his work on things like Romper Stomper, Chopper, Japanese Story and many more. His sound design with Jed Kurzel's composition POUND solid base rhythmically into your chest for the entire film. It was so strong the SONY theatrette's sub cone cracked along with my spirit and probably a rib. It is sound from the depths of hell and like the Orc drums from Lord of the Rings it drums eventual doom into your bones.
The film is chilling and incredibly powerful. It is a perfect 10 out of 10 but I HATE IT. Watch it if you like a mix of American Psycho with Animal Kingdom thrown in with some Funny Games and Deliverance chills. Out May 19.
I had been keen to see this film ever since I had heard about it. It looked very Animal Kingdom-like and is made by some of the same people, namely the DOP Adam Arkapaw.
Sixteen-year-old Jamie lives with his mother, Elizabeth, and two younger brothers, Alex and Nicholas, in a housing trust home in Adelaide's northern suburbs. Their home is but one of many sun-starved houses crammed together to cater for a disenfranchised society.
Jamie longs for an escape from the violence and hopelessness that surrounds him and his salvation arrives in the form of John, a charismatic man who unexpectedly comes to his aid.
As John spends more and more time with Jamie's family, Elizabeth and her boys begin to experience a stability and sense of family that they have never known.
John moves from the role of Jamie's protector to that of a mentor, indoctrinating Jamie into his world, a world brimming with bigotry, righteousness and malice.
Like a son mimicking his father, Jamie soon begins to take on some of John's traits and beliefs as he spends more and more time with him and his select group of friends.
The protection and guidance that John presents to Jamie is initially welcomed however as events occur around him, including the disappearance of several people, Jamie begins to harbour deep suspicions about John and his motivations.
When the truth is finally revealed to Jamie his hopes of happiness are threatened by both his loyalty for, and fear of, his father-figure John Bunting, Australia's most notorious serial killer.
Enjoying this film is akin to getting off on the Shocking Asia films of the 80s or from being aroused by watching someone run over.
It is ALL YANG, not one positive thing in the entire film, welcome to Dante's Hell, where the lead starts the film getting sodomised and ends up in the film being rooted. Not one person in the film smiles or enjoys anything. I could have enjoyed slashing my wrists compared to the joy levels these characters experience.
Sam asked me after the film "Is it worse than The Loved Ones?" - The Loved Ones is POP HORROR and is actually humorous in many parts. This film is appalling horror. It's not visual or over the top. It's a feast on your soul. The film finished one hour ago and I am writing this review on the bus - it is my therapy as I still feel ill. I wanted to leave the screening 30mins in as I knew it was heading towards hell but I had to stick it out.
As horrendous as it is and gut-wrenchingly wrong the film is a masterpiece at what it does.
Shaun Grant has written a horribly brilliant screenplay based heavily on the facts of the Snowtown "Bodies in the Barrels" murders from the 90s. It feels as though he actually channeled and created the birth of a serial killer.
And Justin Kurzel has brought it to an overly real and depressing reality in the film. This film will bring much controversy, pain and anguish for the many people living or involved in this horrific tale. It ruined me and the closest I got was stopping in Snowtown on a drive to Alice Springs.
The question that keeps going over and over in my head is why make this film? Why show us the most horrific life journey of this tortured soul? I know it will probably win abundant awards because what it does it does brilliantly but fuck me; I wish I never heard of it.
The success of its hideousness lies in its casting and the sound/ score of the film. A lot of the characters are actually from the area. Lucas Pittaway is brilliant as the devil's bitch and considering it's his first time acting he could potentially go a long way. Daniel Henshall is sublime and beyond chilling as the devil himself, John Bunting. I consider his portrayal the most frightening and realistic of all serial killers onscreen. He makes Henry and Hannibal Lecter look like Hansel and Gretel. I have actually seen him in some Belvoir St Theatre productions and he could easily pass as Gyton Grantley's doppelganger, brilliant acting. Louise Harris is also brilliant as Elizabeth, the poor fucked up Mum dealing with so much shit in her life. She had no exit from this hell.
Adam Arkapaw shot the film and continues with the exact same styling he used for Animal Kingdom and the film is edited by industry stalwart Veronika Jehet who has done such things as her Oscar winning work on The Piano plus Rabbit Proof Fence and many other films.
The sound design is by Frank Lipson who started back in the day on The Sullivan's and Cop Shop and he has a warehouse of awards for his work on things like Romper Stomper, Chopper, Japanese Story and many more. His sound design with Jed Kurzel's composition POUND solid base rhythmically into your chest for the entire film. It was so strong the SONY theatrette's sub cone cracked along with my spirit and probably a rib. It is sound from the depths of hell and like the Orc drums from Lord of the Rings it drums eventual doom into your bones.
The film is chilling and incredibly powerful. It is a perfect 10 out of 10 but I HATE IT. Watch it if you like a mix of American Psycho with Animal Kingdom thrown in with some Funny Games and Deliverance chills. Out May 19.
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Comment by Matt Shea
This made me laugh, Jason.
And I know what you mean about the film, but I'm probably a touch less kind. The film just drives itself into a corner with its unremitting bleakness -- I had no investment in any of the characters. It's well made, no doubt, but for all the gruesomeness I wasn't actually that affected by it. Should have been a documentary.
Comment by MelG
Comment by Matt Shea
So he changed the script significantly, is that right?
Comment by MelG
Comment by Jason King
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Enen though it was so dreaded and draining it got one of the biggest reactions from a film I have also had in years - and for this I have to give it credit, although begrudgingly
I agree it should have been a docco (re-enactment style)
Comment by Jason King
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I love the info about the director trying to get out of the story - and since there has been so much controversy and the locals either being in the film or trying to protest about it being made. I think the locals may all mass suicide after watching the film
Comment by MelG
I think you are spot on about their motives. Anti-paedophilia/homosexuality to begin with which morphed into anyone who looked at him the wrong way (basically no motive at all, just killing). What a sicko!!! I'm very glad I never crossed his path.
Comment by Jason King
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I do have a serial killer story I should write up on one of my sites - Ivan Milat once picked me and a friend up when we ran out of fuel and gave us a lift to the next town - scared the shit out of us and my friend sat behind him ready to pounce if he did anything. It wasn't until year's later when all the news broke that I nearly crapped myself.
Comment by David O'Connell
20/20 Filmsight
Screen Fanatic
The final sequence is electric with tension and horrible possibilities - and it isn't the only one - even the second time around my heart was racing!
Comment by Jason King
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I do agree with you - it was horrifically bleak but brilliant for what it was and the direction and performances were sensational. How on earth he (Kurzel) managed to draw that constant crying and depression out of Pittaway I will never know - Pittaway said he was glad they had all become so close on set so he could get a hug at the end of the heavier scenes. I could not do it a second time. I thought I would vomit and/ or have a heart attack
And a definite yes to a heart racing finale. Glad you love it!
Thank for visiting and commenting!
Comment by MelG
Comment by David O'Connell
20/20 Filmsight
Screen Fanatic
I agree with you agree Pittaway though, he's just sensational - as far as debuts go, I think he even outdoes James Frecheville from Animal Kingdom in what was a similar type of role too.
Comment by Jason King
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Comment by Jason King
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Well said on Pittaway outdoing Frecheville - completely agree but I loved Frecheville's character - he had a way out, something Jamie did not. Animal Kingdom had a more acceptable "Hollywood" ending - it worked out well with revenge and escape.
Snowtown is just a trip to hell
Comment by Simon
Simon Says
Comment by belle
I enjoyed the characters because i have seen the Crime Investigation Australia takes of Snowtown and they are brilliant. I just wish they didn't have to leave so much out.
I can't wait to own it on DVD beccause its one of those movies that everyone wants to see but won't go out and buy it. The soundtrack is unreal too!
My partner is from Salisbury and has shown me the block where the barrels were kept at the house and told me what happened the day they found them. Did you know there were ice cream vans selling ice cream out the front. How SICK!
The house was torn down. But hey i like that sort of shit (I DON'T AGREE WITH IT THO)! can't wait to go back so we can see some of the streets they filmed in
Comment by Jason King
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Thanks for your comment and sorry it has taken me so long to reply - new job is exhausting me before I can get into articles at night.
I like Ken Park - actually own my own copy but absolutely love his film KIDS.
Ewwwwwwwwww ice cream being sold outside - I have actually been outside the place where found them also, no ice cream on that day though
Have a great day - if you want a truly fucked up disgusting film that has been banned for about 18yrs hire out SALO from somewhere - it will destroy you