Corroboree, Ben Hackworth's first feature length movie, is a visually stunning film about self-discovery and a journey into the magical mind of artistry. Similar in atmosphere to "Picnic at Hanging Rock", Corroboree follows the main protagonist, Connor, as he journeys through a house of mystery and intrigue, reliving the life of a dying film director.
However stunning the setting or the atmosphere of the film, it doesn't make up for the lack of credible acting, scriptwriting or composition. There is no doubting that this film looks beautiful. Katie Milwright, the cinematographer, has photographed the film with grace and beauty. However, Ben's choice of shots and framing do not make full use of her talents. We are unable to relate to the characters, or see their emotional struggles, as Ben chooses not to show us close-ups. The camera seems to be locked into one position every scene and we are unable, as an audience, to intricately follow Connor's mysterious journey. We feel detached, as if we are intruders that shouldn't be there.
This film had so much more to offer than what it did. As a film student, I could see what Ben Hackworth was trying to convey, it is just a shame that he couldn't pull it off. Australian cinema has so much potential to offer the world. We are right up there among the rest when it comes to cinematography and aesthetic. However, Corroboree is a fine of example of what we lack. Until we can find our own unique voice and convey that in script and storytelling format, Australia will always be a small blip on the international film radar.
However stunning the setting or the atmosphere of the film, it doesn't make up for the lack of credible acting, scriptwriting or composition. There is no doubting that this film looks beautiful. Katie Milwright, the cinematographer, has photographed the film with grace and beauty. However, Ben's choice of shots and framing do not make full use of her talents. We are unable to relate to the characters, or see their emotional struggles, as Ben chooses not to show us close-ups. The camera seems to be locked into one position every scene and we are unable, as an audience, to intricately follow Connor's mysterious journey. We feel detached, as if we are intruders that shouldn't be there.
This film had so much more to offer than what it did. As a film student, I could see what Ben Hackworth was trying to convey, it is just a shame that he couldn't pull it off. Australian cinema has so much potential to offer the world. We are right up there among the rest when it comes to cinematography and aesthetic. However, Corroboree is a fine of example of what we lack. Until we can find our own unique voice and convey that in script and storytelling format, Australia will always be a small blip on the international film radar.