Goldstone

Again and again, Australia proves it has an exceptional talent, for crafting quality cinema.

Goldstone is yet another real Aussie gem of a film. Its a story that has depth and beauty, juxtaposed by self effacing, unapologetic, honesty. A reflection, in many ways, of the stark Australian outback, in which it is set.

There's a good detective drama on offer here too, backed by a really soulful, back story. A story that, in a straightforward but touching way, draws the viewers attention to the sad reality of life, for minorities and those marginalized by society.

Aaron Pedersen has much to be proud of in the lead role as police officer Jay Swan. Like the film itself, his performance is understated, yet, at times, almost inexplicably moving. The other cast members distinguish themselves too, including Alex Russell, who plays Swan's local police counterpart, Josh.

In short Goldstone is remarkably well written, directed and acted. True Aussie cinematic gold. Nine out of ten from me.

Goldstone could have been a far better movie than the interesting one it is. As a pastiche of several other classics along the lines of; Bad Day at Black Rock, Shane, Magnificent 7, and others, it ambles on to tell a fairly conventional but interesting story of corruption and moral decay set in an outback mining village (often referred to as the 'Town')

The multi-talented writer, director, cinematographer, editor and score composer, is Queensland born (to an Aust Indigenous mother and Croatian/German Father) Ivan Sen. Mr Sen has perfected the look of many trend-setting movie makers as well as some of his own unique touches. This should hold the patient viewers interest with its superb desolate landscapes and settings but falls somewhat short with odd, foolish touches - such as an over the top shootout where the neighborhood miners carry on performing menial out-door tasks while serious heavy- gunfire rains mercilessly around them (if this was supposed to be John Wayne type humour, it doesn't work).

A strong character performance by indigenous performer Aron Pederson as the investigating detective is weakened from his being eternally paralytic - leaving himself way too vulnerable to the deadly situations he's working within. The business 'crooks' all tend to be clichéd and rather one dimensional, while their henchmen are too gung-ho Americanised. The predictable & needless over-use of four-letter words becomes tiresome and the walk-away-from gunfire ridden car smash-up (while well done) is a stretch, to say the least. But, all that aside, it's a good-looking, attention holding, Technicolour/Noir, Modern Aussie Western – that could have been a social conscience classic.

As this Australian film opens two cars drive through the outback; the policeman in one arrests the driver of the other, an indigenous Australian man, for drunk driving... it soon emerges that the latter man is Detective Jay Swan and he is in the town of Goldstone to look for a missing woman. Nobody admits that somebody could be missing there and the detective clearly isn't welcome... a new mining deal is on the cards to the area and nobody wants him rocking the boat. He continues his investigation though and is soon in real danger, unsure who he can trust.

This film, a follow-up to the film 'Mystery Road', which I've yet to see, is very atmospheric. Calling Goldstone a one horse town would overstate its size and the expanse of desert surrounding it makes it feel very remote... it is clear our protagonist can't call for rapid help if anything goes wrong. As Detective Swan's investigations proceed we gradually learn more about what is going on in Goldstone and the motives. It is soon apparent that certain characters aren't good but others are more ambiguous; most notable local policeman Josh Waters; at times it looks as if he could be one of the problems; at others he looks like a potential ally. Many issues feature; trafficked women, relations between white and indigenous Australians and the power of mining concerns whose security personnel clearly outgun the police. The cast does a fine job; Aaron Pedersen is great as Jay Swan and Alex Russell really impresses as the conflicted Josh Waters. Other notable performances come from Jacki Weaver as The Mayor and David Gulpilil as an elderly Indigenous man who talks to Jay about his past. As well as a good story we get fantastic atmosphere and some amazing shots of the characters in the vastness of the outback. Overall I'd definitely recommend this.

I found this film by accident as I didn't realise that they had made a sequel to the very intriguing and dark Mystery Road.

Our lead is sent on a case again in the middle of nowhere in Australia, but he is a wreck (not surprising when you look back on the first film). Anyhow, he ends up having to liaise with a local cop who is passive on all the ills he sees round him, and each is a foil for the other. There is mass corruption and life to some others is worthless, or local cop can end up in either direction, especially as he takes an emotional investment in the goings on of Human Trafficking of young Chinese women.

So what we have is a case of redemption. Will the local cop leave the world as it is, or challenge the immorality? Everyone else seems to just play along, but our lead says no! Will the local cop back him or not?

Like the first film, this is sumptuous, and the real star is the glorious cinematography, which contrasts the dark heart of the human soul. Yet we have hope in it all.

Our lead is as intriguing as ever, and his own failings are something that endear you to him. I'm very happy they made this film, as we continue the journey. There's a Mad Max element to the lead character & story (albeit no fantasy), but it's still violent and unforgiving.

Again, this is a case worth investigating, and I can't wait to the next film in this series. Very dark yet very beautiful to watch, there's a heart in this movie and you will find it. Deserves better than the ratings so far have given it credit for.

Goldstone essentially picks up where Mystery Road left off.

Which is wonderful for the viewer, because Mystery Road is one of my favourite films, I am a huge fan of writer/director Ivan Sen, and Aaron Pedersen's "aboriginal detective" is one of my favourite all time film characters.

What makes these films so special, aside from superb writing, acting, and direction? Cinematography --- as I said in my review of Mystery Road, the country itself is the unbilled co-star and the aerial shots are to die for.

The themes. Sen is too good a writer to avoid core underlying themes of morality, good and evil, greed and kindness. Even when you think you are just watching a sunset, you realize there are other things going on.

Which brings us to the true genius of this writer/director -- in the opinion of this reviewer, Sen manages to construct the tone and mood of a 1940s film noire in 21st century Australia, in daylight, and in full colour.

If you think that is easy to do .. try it some time.

Recommended.

Don't be shy -- give it a try.

((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))