Review of The Tracker

Review: After watching this film you have no doubts as to why they opened this years Melbourne International Film Festival with this picture. The Tracker, written, produced and directed by Rolf de Heer is really a great insight into early Australian life, not that this film is based on fact, it does give you a perspective that really hasn't been captured on the screen with this professionalism. Gary Sweet, the man most known for his performance in Police Rescue on aussie TV really does show us that he isn't just a television actor. I'd have to say that watching new comer to the screen, Damon Gameau, really was a great experience. I'm astounded by the talent that seems to just be pouring out of NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art). Now onto the real star of this picture, David Gulpilil. He really did shine in all areas of the picture, not only was his performance captivating and heart warming, he actually was a really funny guy. The film lives for David, every moment he is not on screen you are begging him back, he really does steal the show. The only negative that I could say about the film would be the soundtrack, it wasn't really my type of music, and I don't think it suited the film as well as something else could have.

After the screening we were treated to a Q&A session with Rolf de Heer and Damon Gameau. Some not to interesting questions followed which took up the ten minutes of question time allocated. It would be really interesting to have a much more in depth session with Rolf as he had a lot more to speak about.

Final comments: Great film, too bad about the music, but overall an amazing piece of film making, breath talking scenery and some damn fine jokes thrown into the mix.