Directed by Warwick Thornton
Untrained actors Rowan McNamara and Marissa Gibson, having lived in Aboriginal communities, bring warmth and authenticity to their roles as two teenagers (Sampson and Delilah) in an isolated community in the Central Australian Desert. There is nothing to do in their small community where the only telephone rings unanswered amid a cluster of unkempt dwellings. Their world is small and while Delilah cares for her grandmother (Mitjili Gibson, Marissa’s actual grandmother), Sampson sniffs petrol and wanders around aimlessly. When Delilah’s grandmother dies, Delilah is held responsible and tribal punishment is harsh. Sampson has just received a beating from his brother and the two battered teenagers run off to find a better life in the town.
Warwick Thornton wrote, directed and shot this memorable film that captures so much more of the essence of Australia than Luhrman’s big budget extravaganza. As the teenagers struggle to survive outside the community, the audience is confronted with a side of Australia of which we have little knowledge. But according to Thornton, it is very real and the teenagers’ challenges and struggles are inspired by what he sees every day in Central Australia. ‘It’s a story about people who are classed not even as people – let alone people who are allowed to love or have emotions.’
The performances have raw intensity and many of the scenes weren’t even rehearsed. Thornton explains that he just wanted to put the actors in situations and ‘let them fight their way out of that scene.’ The youngsters meet up with Gonzo (played by Warwick’s brother Scott) who didn’t need to rehearse because, according to Warwick, he has been an alcoholic since he was 16. The film received a ten minute standing ovation at its first screening at the Adelaide Film festival, and it is easy to see why.
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