Effective Aussie film

Wolf Creek is tagged as "based on true events". This statement is in the same vein as tagging the cult favourite 1974 horror film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre as "based on true events". Essentially, the core of the concept of Wolf Creek is inspired by the serial killer Ivan Milat who brutally slaughtered backpackers from different parts of the world. Writer/director Greg McLean utilises these murders as the foundation for this low-budget Aussie horror film. In 2005, audiences welcomed such horror films as Hostel: a film that was nothing more than torture porn and an excuse to showcase gory mutilations. When it comes to a film like Wolf Creek, I was afraid that the Aussie filmmakers would yield to the typical flaws of the horror genre. Fortunately, the final results are brimming with superiority and tower over such horror porn as Hostel or some of the Saw sequels.

The opening few minutes introduce us to the three main protagonists. The title sequence runs a whopping 11 minutes! That's 11 minutes to set up the characters and establish the journey ahead of them. Two British backpackers named Liz (Magrath) and Kristy (Morassi) agree to travel across outback Australia with their Aussie mate Ben (Phillips) who originally lived in Sydney. They are all in their early twenties and enjoy the pleasure of each other's company. On a minuscule budget they purchase an old bomb of a car which they plan to use as transport to visit tourist sites of the outback. The first stretch of their journey is through the scenic Wolf Creek National Park. In the first few days of their trip, their car breaks down in the middle of the desert. Soon a seemingly friendly bushman with sinister intentions (Jarratt) enters their lives. For Liz, Kristy and Ben the trip was supposed to include many days of great fun in good company. However this soon turns into a dark, horrifying nightmare when they become unwilling participants of torture and dismemberment by a man with a sick mind.

The first time I watched Wolf Creek I hated it. My maturity at the time reflected the kind of films I enjoyed viewing. After I tremendously enjoyed McLean's next feature, Rogue, I felt it was time to revisit the roots of McLean. The second time around I was alone in a dark room when it was late at night. It's a lot more effective when one grows and matures. I'm surprised that the reviews were such a mixed bag when the film was initially released. I admit that when I first saw the film I favoured the negative reviews, however as the film grew on me I became more fond of it. The atmosphere of terror and dread is effectively established half-way through the movie.

The first half lets the audience familiarise themselves with the characters. Some critics disliked this character development. Personally as we see the characters having a casual chat, I found the characters more likable. This first half is more of a drama that has many scenes of absorbing dialogue. I particularly liked the atmosphere. Be it the audio mix that clearly represents the true sounds of the outback, the fascinating shots of animals and plants or the down-to-earth realism; this is an exemplary method to portray my home country. After this atmospheric drama, McLean has the viewer at ease with what is occurring. He has the viewer exactly where he wants them: liking the friendly characters, and under the impression that nothing can happen to them. This is effective when McLean unleashes relentless mayhem and violence.

The film flaunts performances from a bunch of almost-actors. Being a low-budget Aussie film, the filmmakers couldn't afford actors with an impressive reputation. John Jarratt plays his role wonderfully. There's a great deal of subtlety in his portrayal: representing a deranged bushman who kills tourists for pleasure. His over-the-top characterisation of Mick Taylor is nothing short of amazing. Apparently Jarratt is a method actor who stayed in character throughout the duration of the shoot, even when the cameras weren't rolling! Cassandra Magrath and Kestie Morassi had trouble convincing me in their portrayals. The first half particularly lacked anything spectacular. Nathan Phillips is talented at portraying Ben. Phillips comes across well as a simple Aussie bloke trying to impress his girlfriends with his simple laid-back Aussie traits while a budding romance is a possibility. Phillips disappears into the second half as that section of the film is more concerned with his female companions suffering through the anguish inflicted by their tormentor.

Wolf Creek isn't just torture porn like, say, Hostel. The gore and violence is a little senseless, but even so there are a number of real scares. The chilling atmosphere drawn from Jarratt's creepy laugh is especially effective. Okay, so I'm part of the minority that enjoyed the film. I have no shame in admitting that. On the whole the film is frequently terrifying and although slightly clichéd, it didn't succumb to many of the genre conventions one would expect. Unlike Hollywood horror movies, the film doesn't rely merely on the blood and gore: there is also suspense and tension which is vastly more effective. This disturbing film is a must for horror buffs.

6.9/10