Release Date; March 6th, 2014Writer: Marion Nelson
Director: John Curran
Logline: A young woman goes on a 1,700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with her four camles and faithful dog. (Source IMDb) Drama 112 min.
Bechdel Test: Passed all 3 tests.
Review
Logline: A young woman goes on a 1,700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with her four camles and faithful dog. (Source IMDb) Drama 112 min.
Bechdel Test: Passed all 3 tests.
Review
Tracks is captivating, intriguing and visually stunning. Based on a true story, it follows the journey of Robyn Davidson as she treks across the Australian Desert – a trip that is never fully justified or explained. Going into the theatre with minimal knowledge of the story, I was expecting a grand tale of adventure with daunting circumstances and perilous encounters. Although the film’s understated narrative proved my expectations wrong, it certainly gained a sense of adventure from this lack of justification. Robyn sets out on her expedition just because. When asked why, she simply answers “why not.” She explores for the sake of exploring and that in itself is what makes her solitary quest compelling.
The film’s quietness is also necessary in creating a perception of what travelling alone is like. Mia Wasikowska plays this experience of isolation beautifully and brings a real depth to the character. While we get a little back story to help us to understand Robyn’s motivation, Wasikowska’s performance is what truly allows us to get her.
I will say that I felt like the film was about 20 minutes too long, but the gorgeous Australian scenery makes any unnecessary scenes completely worthwhile. Adam Driver was great, the camels were cool and Diggity the dog was adorable. Besides the length, I can't think of anything else to complain about.
Portayal of Women: Robyn is stubborn, independent, smart, brave, abrasive, determined.
And she isn't just given these qualities for no reason, there are logical justifications for each attribute. A role this fleshed out is rare for a female character and I was enthralled watching Wasikowska bring it to life.
I also really liked how being a woman was never really an obstacle for Robyn. She was definitely seen as unconventional but her unwavering conviction made people see past that. Aboriginal traditions prevented her from doing some things on account of her being a woman, but she ultimately overcame those challenges as well.
I loved how beautiful Robyn was throughout her journey. Her clothes were in tatters, her hair was in a constant state of unruliness and her face was dirty 80% of the time. Another film may have tried to make her look conventionally appealing, but the honesty of what you would actually look like after 7 months in the wilderness was so much more effective . Sometimes the old cliche of "beauty comes from within" seems eye-roll worthy, but in this case it was true - her courage and perseverance were really breathtaking.
The film’s quietness is also necessary in creating a perception of what travelling alone is like. Mia Wasikowska plays this experience of isolation beautifully and brings a real depth to the character. While we get a little back story to help us to understand Robyn’s motivation, Wasikowska’s performance is what truly allows us to get her.
I will say that I felt like the film was about 20 minutes too long, but the gorgeous Australian scenery makes any unnecessary scenes completely worthwhile. Adam Driver was great, the camels were cool and Diggity the dog was adorable. Besides the length, I can't think of anything else to complain about.Portayal of Women: Robyn is stubborn, independent, smart, brave, abrasive, determined.
And she isn't just given these qualities for no reason, there are logical justifications for each attribute. A role this fleshed out is rare for a female character and I was enthralled watching Wasikowska bring it to life.
I also really liked how being a woman was never really an obstacle for Robyn. She was definitely seen as unconventional but her unwavering conviction made people see past that. Aboriginal traditions prevented her from doing some things on account of her being a woman, but she ultimately overcame those challenges as well.I loved how beautiful Robyn was throughout her journey. Her clothes were in tatters, her hair was in a constant state of unruliness and her face was dirty 80% of the time. Another film may have tried to make her look conventionally appealing, but the honesty of what you would actually look like after 7 months in the wilderness was so much more effective . Sometimes the old cliche of "beauty comes from within" seems eye-roll worthy, but in this case it was true - her courage and perseverance were really breathtaking.
Sisterhood Moment: An older couple lets Robyn stay with them for a night. The woman washes her hair, brushes it out and gives her a clean nightgown to wear. Such a mom thing to do and I love it.
Rating: 4 camels and an old compass
Rating: 4 camels and an old compass
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