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The Tracker

  • 2002
  • Not Rated
  • 1h 30m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
3.2K
YOUR RATING
The Tracker (2002)
Fanatic is a government trooper who is heading an expedition to find an Aboriginal man accused of murdering a white woman. Others in the expedition are the Follower, a greenhorn trooper, the Veteran, and the Tracker.
Play trailer2:10
1 Video
6 Photos
DramaWestern

Fanatic is a government trooper who is heading an expedition to find an Aboriginal man accused of murdering a white woman. Others in the expedition are the Follower, a greenhorn trooper, the... Read allFanatic is a government trooper who is heading an expedition to find an Aboriginal man accused of murdering a white woman. Others in the expedition are the Follower, a greenhorn trooper, the Veteran, and the Tracker.Fanatic is a government trooper who is heading an expedition to find an Aboriginal man accused of murdering a white woman. Others in the expedition are the Follower, a greenhorn trooper, the Veteran, and the Tracker.

  • Director
    • Rolf de Heer
  • Writer
    • Rolf de Heer
  • Stars
    • David Gulpilil
    • Gary Sweet
    • Damon Gameau
  • See production, box office & company info
  • IMDb RATING
    7.4/10
    3.2K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Rolf de Heer
    • Writer
      • Rolf de Heer
    • Stars
      • David Gulpilil
      • Gary Sweet
      • Damon Gameau
    • 45User reviews
    • 23Critic reviews
    • 71Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 16 wins & 16 nominations

    Videos1

    Trailer
    Trailer 2:10
    Watch Trailer

    Photos6

    The Tracker (2002)
    The Tracker (2002)
    The Tracker (2002)
    The Tracker (2002)
    The Tracker (2002)

    Top cast

    Edit
    David Gulpilil
    David Gulpilil
    • The Tracker
    Gary Sweet
    Gary Sweet
    • The Fanatic
    Damon Gameau
    Damon Gameau
    • The Follower
    Grant Page
    Grant Page
    • The Veteran
    Noel Wilton
    • The Fugitive
    • Director
      • Rolf de Heer
    • Writer
      • Rolf de Heer
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The music for this film is performed by Archie Roach, a popular aboriginal country musician.
    • Quotes

      [first lines]

      The Tracker: About half a day ahead, boss, and he's gettin' tired.

      The Fanatic: Tell me when it gets to dark. Come on. Keep going.

      The Tracker: Okay, boss. Like this?

      [mock running and galloping]

      The Tracker: We'll catch him quick.

    • Connections
      Featured in Gulpilil: One Red Blood (2002)

    User reviews45

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    8/10
    Tracking Manifest Destiny
    It gets off to a slow start. On horseback in the Australian desert, three white men representing officialdom follow close behind an aboriginal man on foot, "tracking" another aborigine wanted for killing a white woman. There's no character development, no explanations, no music ... just four men plodding along in silence.

    But the plot gradually picks up as the four men encounter frustrations and problems along the way. This film is unusual in that, from start to finish, it takes place entirely outdoors. The stunning cinematography not only captures the stark beauty of a rugged and unforgiving land, but also creates some memorable cinematic art, most notably the profile of a man, whose corpse dangles in the wind against the background of a bright yellow sun.

    For a film about "tracking", the script has little to say about real life tracking skills. At one point the tracker stoops down to notice one small rock that has apparently been moved. The tracker then uses this stone to conclude that the stalked man has recently been here. But how does the tracker know the rock's disturbance was the result of the wanted man, rather than some passing wild animal, or a local aborigine? The tracker doesn't explain, and his three white boss men don't ask.

    But the film is not really about "tracking". It's about politics and philosophy. The lead white man is repulsive in his violence and racism. He whips and chains the tracker, and verbally abuses him. Yet, to accomplish his mission, the boss man needs the tracker. The film's theme thus centers on how imperialistic, militant whites overpower natives of a country to get what the whites want, with the help of guns, of course. It's a frequent theme throughout human history, and in its application to American history it is known as "manifest destiny".

    Reinforcing this theme is the film's haunting soundtrack. I especially liked the visceral "All Men Choose The Path They Walk". The music adds emotional and philosophic depth to the story, as do aboriginal drawings, or sketches, that figuratively show what is happening, when the film's plot turns violent. The film's casting and acting are fine. David Gulpilil is himself an aborigine, and does a good job as the tracker.

    This is an unusual film in that there is not one single scene that takes place indoors. It has a political theme that runs deep, enhanced by haunting music. Although "The Tracker" gets off to a slow start, it build tension en route to a powerful ending. It's a film that would appeal to viewers looking for something a little different, as well as those interested in cultural history or outdoor adventure.
    helpful•17
    5
    • Lechuguilla
    • May 15, 2006

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 8, 2002 (Australia)
    • Country of origin
      • Australia
    • Official sites
      • Production Notes [Australia]
      • Vertigo Productions
    • Languages
      • English
      • Aboriginal
    • Also known as
      • El rastro
    • Filming locations
      • Gammon Ranges, South Australia, Australia
    • Production companies
      • Adelaide Festival of Arts
      • SBS Independent
      • Vertigo Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $55,188
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $4,993
      • Jan 19, 2004
    • Gross worldwide
      • $672,495
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 30 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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