Film Review on Australia by Baz

There has been a large amount of discussion around Baz Luhrmann's film 'Australia'. Mixed reviews smothered this film and the experience for the spectator in doubt and pressure . At around the same time the film was released, Baz Luhrmann developed an advertising campaign for Tourism Australia, implying that the two were subsequently linked. .



This was one of the factors of the film which cause controversy amoung expectant viewers and critics alike. The advertising campaign for Tourism Australia put an incredible amount of pressure before the film was released for it to boost tourism and show the caliber of film australia as an artistic industry could produce. How could any film achieve this? To produce advertisment for a country, film industry and have an accurate portrayal of indigenous affairs and historical events whilst still appealing to the masses. “Everything in the film will be in service to a great romance … Facts will be moved around but not in a way that fundamentally disturbs the truth.” - Baz Lurhmann(http://www.australiamovie.net/about/history/)

Removing all the above elements can help us see the film on a more basic level. The wide shots of the Kimberly's were breathtaking, the colours were romantic and beautiful, the love story was epic. If we look at Baz Lurhmann's past films we can completely understand this why Australia was filmed in the style it was. Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet and Moulin rougue are all riddles with cheesy shots and colourful, fun surrounding incredible love stories. And that is what Australia is...a love story, however unbelievable.





However, can you produce a film that has so many delicate issues and expect critics to ignore it and concentrate purely on the film as an expression of a man missing home and wanting to explore what Australia is about? I desperately want to say yes, but unfortunately, with the Australian film industry as it is, the expectation of bringing across on a world forum what it is to be australian is crucial.

Other interesting links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF19RQXDNjY