Andrew McMurtryREVIEW: Jindabyne (2006)
November 2nd 2008 12:47
“Jindabyne” is a truly Australian film. It deals with Australian issues, uses Australian images and in Australian settings. On the world stage, the image of Australia as portrayed in films is how we are seen, even if it is only partially true. This is evidenced by the crazed killer who murders the Aboriginal girl and dumps her body in the lake. A senseless act. The image of the backpacker type of murderer has become synonymous with the view of Australia thanks to the Ivan Milat and Bradley John Murdoch murders.
“Jindabyne” creates the sense of mystery of itself, as if it is haunted. The submerged town which holds the ghosts of the past just under the surface, just waiting for their chance to re-emerge, is the setting for this film. This is metaphorical for both the ghosts in the lives of the characters and the ghosts of the past. It stands to say anything that is bubbling under the surface will soon rear its head and drown you. This is seen in Claire and Stewart’s relationship as the treatment of the girl disgusts Claire but Stewart cannot see the problem with it as they stopped her from floating down the river. Australia is a spiritual place, thanks to the belief and values of the Aboriginal people.
This is an Australian drama. It is contained within the borders of Australia, in the historic Jindabyne. Despite this, it stars an American, Claire, and an Irishman, Stewart. This shows the multiculturalism of modern Australia. It may only be a little indicator, but it shows that no matter where you come from, if you call Australia home, you are Australian. This sends a message to the rest of the world that Australia is an accepting country. The use of the ‘ocker’ Australians in films to show the Australian culture is a misguided representation. Carl and Jude’s relationship shows that, as well as young Billy. They may enjoy a laugh and to take the Mickey out of each other, but they are not the traditional “ocker” type of Australians. This is where the problem of perception in the world lies. Movies like “The Castle” have come to define Australia and Australians while serious depictions such as Jindabyne are disregarded as true representations.
What eventually happens in this film is the discovery of a murdered girl, who belongs to a local aboriginal tribe, by Stewart and the rest of the gang on their fishing trip. Horrified and not knowing what to do, they tether her to the shore to keep her in the water for a whole day and night before alerting the police. The next phase of the movie is the aftermath and repercussions for the fishermen’s behaviour. “She was dead,” Claire says to her husband. “But don’t you see? She needed your help.” Claire raises a uncomfortable moral problem when she basically asks what the living should do for the dead. The fishermen’s own unformed ideas on death are against the Aboriginal customs leading to suspicion and intolerance from both sides. Ironically, the town become angrier at the fishermen than the man who committed the crime, who seems to go free.
The depiction of the Australian landscape in this film is harsh. In the beginning, the aboriginal girl is driving down a dirt road with the yellowed, dry brush and grass in the field. Like other Australian movies, “Jindabyne” shoots the world respectfully, as to appease the spiritual presence in Australia. This is the depiction most commonly used in Australian films to denote Australian landscapes. Lake Jindabyne is depicted as a crystal blue lake, which is given by a panoramic view done using a simple plan, which director Ray Lawrence did very well.
This movie is about how we assign blame in society. As I have said, the murder basically gets off scot-free from this heinous crime. The fishermen, who turned in the discovered body, are blamed. While the fishermen are not completely innocent, as they disrespected aboriginal values, they did not kill the girl, yet are treated like they had. I fiund this movie tackled some delicate issues and did it well. It is a good movie but you may just find a lack of interest as the story is told really slowly and in a weird, laidback way. I'd give this film 3 out of 5, mostly for people who want a movie to think about.
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Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I found this movie slow, and sickening on many levels.
There didnt seem to me to be a story worthy of carrying the disturbing scenes.
I switched it off half way through.
Lilla ...