‘Tracks’ follows Australian naturalist Robyn Davidson who, at the age of 27, crossed the Australian outback in 1977 from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean with only four camels and her dog as companions.
Nominated for Best Film at the Venice Film Festival, Director John Curran's film showcases Davidson's nine-month journey of 1677 miles and stars Mia Wasikowska as Robyn. National Geographic magazine photographer Rick Smolan (played by Adam Driver in the film) documented the entire journey, and along the way, became best friends with Robyn.
Rick, describe the experience with Robyn in five words?
Most fascinating human being ever.
What was it like trying to photograph such a reluctant subject? And is Robyn still the same about having photos taken?
It was very challenging and involved a great deal of problem solving. I think today she loves my pictures although at the time she felt the pictures represented my trip not her trip. It wasn't about not wanting to be photographed but about the photography taking her away from her solitary experience.
When you hang out with Robyn, it's like...?
Being with my best friend.
In what ways did shooting Robyn on her trek change your life?
In every way. It was the year I grew up. It was the first time I spent time with a woman instead of a girl. It made me decide to not be a cog in someone else's machine but to create my own enterprise and have control over the final results.
Did you expect the response that she achieved during and after the trek?
I thought the world would be fascinated by her trip but did not realise that 35 years later that they would still be fascinated.
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How would you describe Robyn and do you think the film represents her accurately? Did they leave anything out?
I think Mia does an extraordinary job of portraying Robyn but I think the one thing the movie doesn't capture is Robyn's wicked sense of humour. I think they felt it was too hard to convey those two.
How would you describe yourself and do you think the film represents you accurately? Did they leave anything out?
I think the film, like most movies involving photographers, doesn't distinguish between paparazzi, fashion photographers, war photographers and photo journalists. A photojournalist would not set up a photograph the way they have Adam directing Mia, or Rick directing Robyn. But I understand why they did it for the dramatic arc of the character. The job here wasn't to portray me accurately but to tell the story, and I understand and agree with the filmmakers’ decisions in terms of the story.
What camera equipment did you shoot with and would you change anything if you could go back in time?
I shot with Nikon equipment and wouldn't change a thing. It's fantastic gear. I shot in kodachrome which they don't make anymore. I miss that.
Advice to up-and-coming photographers?
You have to be more than a photographer. You have to be a storyteller and you have to tell your story in not only still photographs but also video, sound and multi media.
Best life advice you have received and who gave it to you?
Never take yes for answer. A friend of mine in Japan told me that because he said people who say yes to you aren't listening. It's the people who ask the hard questions who are. Also, don't take no for an answer either which is why my company is called Against All Odds productions.
