The Australian Outback has long held a fascination for adventurers and filmmakers the world over.
The journey undertaken by Robyn Davidson in 1977 from Alice Springs to the coast of Western Australia is a fascinating true story and Davidson’s memoir 'Tracks' appeared to have all the right ingredients for a stunning film adaptation. Luckily, that is exactly what audiences are now being treated to.
In the year of 1977, with only four camels and a dog for company, Robyn (Mia Wasilkowska) decides to undertake a 1700 mile journey across the desert of Western Australia in order to explore the world in solitude. At key stages of her journey Robyn is met by a National Geographic photographer named Rick Smolan (Adam Driver) who chronicles the trip for an eventual magazine article publication.
'Tracks' is a wonderful film to experience and Director of Photography Mandy Walker has outdone herself with her work on this film. The camera placement is artistic and deliberate and Walker is able to literally paint with light in a way that many modern cinematographers simply cannot manage. The landscape of Australia certainly gives Walker plenty to work with as does the striking imagery of a young woman and her camels stringing out across the harsh Australian desert.
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Mia Wasilkowska also has a chance to shine here in the lead role of Robyn Davidson. There are no visual effects for the actors to hide behind in this film so the talents of the performers are really on show and Wasilkowska doesn’t disappoint. She plays the role of Robyn with an authentic prickliness and allows the hair and makeup department to do things that many young actresses would refuse out of vanity. This is certainly a career highlight for the actress and she has wonderful support from Adam Driver, who is simultaneously likeable and annoying all at once as National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan.
There is little to criticise in 'Tracks'. However, if one was to grasp at straws, it could be said that the film is slightly too heavy handed at times and every once and a while the pacing seems too slow for even a 1700 mile journey. These criticisms are minor, though, and the film itself should be seen by as many people as possible and on the biggest screen possible, for this certainly is a cinematic experience.
'Tracks' is the type of Australian film that comes along only every now and again, but it reminds us of how magnificent the country's desert landscapes really are and also how good the younger generation of performers are becoming. I heartily endorse this film and encourage you to support it as well.
4/5
'Tracks' is in cinemas now.
