The problem with 'Tracks' isn't that it's badly acted. It isn't, as Mia Wasikowska is excellent as outback explorer Robyn Davidson. It's not that it's poorly shot because it isn't, as the cinematography perfectly captures the harsh beauty of the Australian desert. It also has no problems with direction or editing or sound quality, in fact everything is in place for it to be a perfectly decent film.
Except for one thing; the story. Focusing on a young woman's largely solitary nine month trek, 'Tracks' is a film that suffers from similar problems to 'On The Road' and 'Into The Wild' before it. For while there's nothing wrong with going out into the world on a prolonged sabbatical to "find yourself," it's hard to find a reason to care about what is essentially a film version of someone's holiday photos.
Which is a real shame because as I've said, Wasikowska is terrific. She's a reserved and cautious lead, perfectly happy walking through miles of snake-infested wilderness with no shoes on but shying away from any real human connection. The film is almost entirely her show, told through facial reactions and body language and she manages to be empathetic throughout, even if she is a bit prickly around other human beings.
In fact, out of the remaining characters, only Adam Driver's sporadic appearances as her photographer have any meat on them. His and Robyn's growing relationship is one of the small triumphs here, evolving from reluctant business partners through on again/off again lovers and finally a genuine friendship. Everyone else, from surly farmers to concerned parents barely gets a look in.
As good as the performances are however, it's very difficult to make a film about an extended stroll invigorating. Robyn only has one goal and that's getting to the end of a journey we already know she completes and aside from a few faintly hallucinogenic moments (was that motorcyclist really there?), it all starts to feel a bit too much like watching someone's gap year unfold.
On the plus side though, unlike the heroine of the sort-of-similar 'Eat, Pray, Love,' Robyn isn't a nauseating self-obsessed egomaniac indulging in a year long pity party and instead is a resourceful and likable lead. There's a lot to admire in 'Tracks,' but it's difficult to enjoy in the traditional sense. Watch it on Netflix but don't buy the DVD.
Except for one thing; the story. Focusing on a young woman's largely solitary nine month trek, 'Tracks' is a film that suffers from similar problems to 'On The Road' and 'Into The Wild' before it. For while there's nothing wrong with going out into the world on a prolonged sabbatical to "find yourself," it's hard to find a reason to care about what is essentially a film version of someone's holiday photos.
Which is a real shame because as I've said, Wasikowska is terrific. She's a reserved and cautious lead, perfectly happy walking through miles of snake-infested wilderness with no shoes on but shying away from any real human connection. The film is almost entirely her show, told through facial reactions and body language and she manages to be empathetic throughout, even if she is a bit prickly around other human beings.
In fact, out of the remaining characters, only Adam Driver's sporadic appearances as her photographer have any meat on them. His and Robyn's growing relationship is one of the small triumphs here, evolving from reluctant business partners through on again/off again lovers and finally a genuine friendship. Everyone else, from surly farmers to concerned parents barely gets a look in.
As good as the performances are however, it's very difficult to make a film about an extended stroll invigorating. Robyn only has one goal and that's getting to the end of a journey we already know she completes and aside from a few faintly hallucinogenic moments (was that motorcyclist really there?), it all starts to feel a bit too much like watching someone's gap year unfold.
On the plus side though, unlike the heroine of the sort-of-similar 'Eat, Pray, Love,' Robyn isn't a nauseating self-obsessed egomaniac indulging in a year long pity party and instead is a resourceful and likable lead. There's a lot to admire in 'Tracks,' but it's difficult to enjoy in the traditional sense. Watch it on Netflix but don't buy the DVD.