Not Quite Hollywood
Australia cinema was almost nonexistent during the early days of cinema. Before the 70’s, there wasn’t much to it. So, to jumpstart their foundering film industry, they looked to overseas for “inspiration”. A cross between Europe and Hollywood, as one producer calls it.
The result? Ozploitation, which coincided with The Australian New Wave Movement. It wasn’t for the faint of heart, and it certainly wasn’t as prestigious. We’re talking about genres from action(The Man from Hong Kong), dystopian sci-fi (Mad Max), horror (Thirst, Razorback) ausssie westerns(Ned Kelly, Mad Morgan, both based off of actual figures) psychological thrillers (Wake in Fright), and sexploitation films (too many to name). Sexploitation and horrro were their bread and butter during the 70’s.
Most are forgettable. Although there are some worth watching.
NQH follows several directors, critics, producers, actors and actresses as well as Quentin Tarantino, himself a self avowed fan of Ozploitation, who, if I recall correctly, coined the term.
Some of these films are interesting to watch, and listening to the back stories and anecdotes are always interesting. Dennis Hopper as Mad Dog Morgan was filled with stories surrounding his method acting, aaaand well as his boozing and coke use. Indeed, Hopper even appears to reminisce about his experience.
There is also the stories about The Man from Hong Kong, an Asian who they said despised white women and treated everyone horribly.
There also the stories of the dangerous stunts that cost many their lives. It Is almost like a cautionary tale, about what Australia was willing to do to create movies.
What we have here, is a fascinating tale of the “birth” of the Aussie films industry, frought with peril, egos, and censorship. What emerged is still debated. What matters is what came from it. And along for the ride, is Tarantino, riding shotgun, filled with an exuberance that makes one wonder what they may be missing.
Of the films listed at the end, during the credits, I have seen only a handful: Mad Dog Morgan, Patrick, Razorback, Wake in Fright,Mad Max and The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith. Of that group, Mad Max is easily the best.
I plan on seeing more.
Australia cinema was almost nonexistent during the early days of cinema. Before the 70’s, there wasn’t much to it. So, to jumpstart their foundering film industry, they looked to overseas for “inspiration”. A cross between Europe and Hollywood, as one producer calls it.
The result? Ozploitation, which coincided with The Australian New Wave Movement. It wasn’t for the faint of heart, and it certainly wasn’t as prestigious. We’re talking about genres from action(The Man from Hong Kong), dystopian sci-fi (Mad Max), horror (Thirst, Razorback) ausssie westerns(Ned Kelly, Mad Morgan, both based off of actual figures) psychological thrillers (Wake in Fright), and sexploitation films (too many to name). Sexploitation and horrro were their bread and butter during the 70’s.
Most are forgettable. Although there are some worth watching.
NQH follows several directors, critics, producers, actors and actresses as well as Quentin Tarantino, himself a self avowed fan of Ozploitation, who, if I recall correctly, coined the term.
Some of these films are interesting to watch, and listening to the back stories and anecdotes are always interesting. Dennis Hopper as Mad Dog Morgan was filled with stories surrounding his method acting, aaaand well as his boozing and coke use. Indeed, Hopper even appears to reminisce about his experience.
There is also the stories about The Man from Hong Kong, an Asian who they said despised white women and treated everyone horribly.
There also the stories of the dangerous stunts that cost many their lives. It Is almost like a cautionary tale, about what Australia was willing to do to create movies.
What we have here, is a fascinating tale of the “birth” of the Aussie films industry, frought with peril, egos, and censorship. What emerged is still debated. What matters is what came from it. And along for the ride, is Tarantino, riding shotgun, filled with an exuberance that makes one wonder what they may be missing.
Of the films listed at the end, during the credits, I have seen only a handful: Mad Dog Morgan, Patrick, Razorback, Wake in Fright,Mad Max and The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith. Of that group, Mad Max is easily the best.
I plan on seeing more.