NZIFF Classic Film Review: "The Last Wave" (1977).

"Hasn't the weather been strange... Could it be a warning? From the makers of 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' comes another terrifying and disturbing story" comes The Last Wave. This Australian mystery drama film directed by Peter Weir and written by Weir, Tony Morphett and Petru Popescu. A lawyer whose seemingly normal life is turned upside-down when he takes on a murder case and discovers that he shares a strange and unexplained mystical connection to the Australian aboriginals.

In an interview on the Criterion Collection DVD release, Weir explained that the film explores the question, "What if someone with a very pragmatic approach to life experienced a premonition?" By late February 1977, Richard Chamberlain, Olivia Hamnett, David Gulpilil, Fred Parslow, Vivean Gray, Peter Carroll, Wallas Eaton and Nandjiwarra Amagula were cast. Prior to Chamberlain's casting, two Australian actors were considered. One was rejected and the other wasn't available. A short-list was made of six actors who had international recognition. Chamberlain was sent the script which he thought interesting but was at first cautious about making a film in a foreign country and with a director he was unfamiliar with. Peter Weir visited Chamberlain at the Broadway Theatre where he was starring in Night of the Iguana and the two clicked. Chamberlain was then screened Weir's previous film Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) where the film had yet to be shown at all in the USA. Chamberlain liked this film and at some time soon after this, Chamberlain was signed. Weir asked Gulpilil and Amagula about the script and incorporated their reactions to the finished dialogue. At the same time, principal photography commenced and took place in Sydney and Adelaide. During filming, Sydney experienced harsh weather conditions with constant heavy rain. The production then moved to Adelaide which doubled for Sydney. Ironically, the weather in Sydney had to be recreated in Adelaide, which was sunny and pleasant during filming. The dark and black, stormy and rainy weather conditions were created by using wind machines and gigantic hoses, the latter being operated from a number of fire engines. Finance was provided by the Australian Film Commission ($120,000), the South Australian Film Corporation ($120,000), Janus Films (US$50,000) and United Artists ($350,000). Reportedly, producers Hal McElroy and Jim McElroy mortgaged their homes and their business interests in Picnic at Hanging Rock so this picture could maintain its cash flow and continue production.

The film stars Chamberlain, Hamnett, Gulpilil, Parslow, Gray, Carroll, Eaton and Amagula. Skilfully enigmatic, reserved and raw performances were given by the cast, especially by Chamberlain, Gulpilil and Amagula.

Technically well shot and edited, as well as carefully paced, Weir's The Last Wave has a dreamlike quality that sets it apart even among his fellow Australian New Wavers. The film's slow pacing can detract from and defuse what is in other respects, one of the more interesting screen imaginations at work today. However, the film works at various levels and certainly sparks discussion, as people attempt to figure out what they've just seen.

Simon says The Last Wave receives:

Also, see my NZIFF review for Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist.