Wake in Fright is a 1971 movie directed by Ted Kotcheff.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A schoolteacher gambles his money away and is trapped in a remote town full of drunken, crazy locals.
ONE LINE REVIEW
Wake in Fright is a tense story of aggressive masculinity and isolation.
THE ACTORS
Gary Bond stars as John Grant, a highly educated and unhappy school teacher who finds himself stranded in a remote Outback town. Bond captures the character’s elitism and disdain, along with both a sense of fear and occasional jubilant bursts. Bond gives a tremendous performance – his expressive eyes signal the disgust and wonder of his new surroundings – it’s an intriguing performance.
Donald Pleasence leads the supporting cast as the alcoholic Doc Tydon. Pleasence creates a character that is indulgent, grotesque, witty and subtly terrifying. Physically, Pleasence embodies the chaos of the character – he’s filthy and exhibits no boundaries – there’s an extreme sense of danger emanating from his actions. At times, his character is completely revolting.
Continue reading “Wake in Fright”