The Hunter

Earlier this year writer Julia Leigh made her directorial debut with 'Sleeping Beauty'. Now we get a film version of one of her books.

The Tasmanian tiger has become an Australian legend. Kind of like an animal version of Elvis. Although it is supposed to be extinct, there are still people out there looking for it. This story purposes that the tiger has medicinal purposes which is why Martin is sent to look for it. However there is a lot more going on here than just a man looking for an animal.

Director Daniel Nettheim has managed to create a brilliant sense of dread with this film. Every character and situation carries with it a sense of suspicion. You wonder what is really going with these people. Almost all of them hide some sort of secret. The political atmosphere of the area is nicely woven into the plot with adds to the suspense. My only problem with the film is the character of Martin and his background. In the promotional material he said to be a mercenary but no where in the film is that mentioned. He is just a mysterious man come to do a job. It would have been nice if the film told us about his experiences and what made him qualified to do this job.

It seems Wilem Dafoe loves to come to Australia to make movies. He is perfectly cast as this mysterious figure sent to do a mysterious job. Most of the screen time is taken up with him walking through the bush and despite that he can make it interesting. Francis O'Connor plays the role of a fragile women Martin helps very well. Sam Neil is also great as a very shifty character. The film however is once again stolen by the child actors. Young Morgana Armstrong is a brilliant young actress who gives a wonderful performance. She does however get some strong competition from Finn Woodlock in a non-speaking role.

Australia is having a really good year for films. This is further proof of that. While not a happy fun film like some of recent successes this is still worth seeing for good, quality entertainment.