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.
THE DIRECTOR
Ted Kotcheff uses the vast landscape of remote Australian desert to create a unique, threatening environment. The sprawling wide shots capture the oppressive isolation. Kotcheff’s cameras are obtrusive – we see every character is a victim of the sweltering heat – filthy bodies are packed into tight spaces where everyone continually drinks. The lack of personal space presents a constant physical danger.
THE BEST – Space
Wake in Fright is set in a desperately isolated town yet there’s no relief from the intrusive locals. As stated early in the movie: “We’re so isolated, there’s nowhere to go.” Bond’s Grant is continually hounded to “have a drink” with different men. Refusing a drink is the ultimate insult. Drinking leads to a forced intimacy – the locals press into Grant’s personal space – leaning, grabbing, redirecting. There are virtually no boundaries.
THE BEST Part 2 – The Betting Scenes
The locals play a coin flip game – “a simple-minded game” as defined by Grant – that ultimately leads to the lead character’s downfall. Since it’s the only game in town, packs of men squeeze in to bet. Kotcheff’s crew capture the intensity with close-ups of the crazed faces and interesting overhead shots.
THE BEST Part 3 – Grant’s Arrogance
Bond perfectly captures Grant’s disdain for the locals – particularly as his frustration grows. His comments – while elitist – are completely relatable. He laments “the arrogance of stupid people wanting you to be stupid as well.” Later, he blows up in a bar where he loudly announces that he doesn’t like “the Yabba.” Yet, despite his ego, Grant realizes that he cannot change his fortunes – which creates an intriguing dilemma.
THE BEST Part 4 – That Final Shot
As Grant returns to his familiar settings, there is a wide shot lifting over the vast desert. The colors and surroundings are familiar – it’s possible the scene is a tribute to the excellent Bad Day at Black Rock.
THE WORST – The Kangaroo Hunt
The narrative reaches a culmination of chaos as Grant is dragged along for a day of drinking and shooting kangaroos in the Outback. The group is completely wasted and out of control. The hunting scenes are among the most brutal you’ll see on a screen, as several kangaroos are shot and butchered. Wounded kangaroos are boxed and butchered. Bond’s Grant is fascinating during these scenes – there’s something primal that awakes in him admits the carnage. Yet, when he is forced to kill his own kangaroo, the panic and remorse that emerges is powerful. The scenes are graphic but brilliantly propels the twisted narrative of hyper masculinity.
THE WORST Part 2 – A Day in the Life of Doc Tydon
Pleasance is brilliant as the mercurial Doc Tydon – he’s a chaotic and sexually deviant, but completely self-aware drunk. “My disease stopped me from practicing in Sydney but out here, it’s scarcely noticeable.” After waking from an-all night party, Tydon starts his day chugging beer before beginning the kangaroo slaughter. Another endless party ensues before a local bar is destroyed – Tydon ends the night wrestling Grant to the ground. At this moment, we’re left to wonder what occurs next.
THE WORST Part 3 – Grant and Janette
After being taken in by Al Thomas’ Tim Hynes, Grant retreats on a walk with Sylvia Kay’s Janette. Kay is tremendous as the withdrawn and emotionally battered wife of Tim – she is both vacant and lustful – searching for some sensory experience. She and Grant wander into the woods, where they embrace before Grant violently vomits.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4.25/5
Wake in Fright is a powerfully unique movie. Kotcheff does a brilliant job capturing the madness of the isolated Outback. A must watch.
