Tracks Movie Review 0 894

tracks-movie-review

Based on the non-fiction book by Robyn Davidson, Tracks follows her journey as she (played by Mia Wasikowska) sets out to walk across the 1,700 mile stretch of West Australian deserts to the Indian ocean, with only a few camels and her faithful dog to keep her company for the most part, along with the occasional pop-up visit from a magazine photographer (Adam Driver).

This is an inspiring and often very powerful look at human survival and determination and looks at both the pros and cons of taking what is, some might say, a selfish but nonetheless self-empowering approach of trying to go it alone, whether it be in an arduous physical endeavour such as this or generally in life.

Shot with admirable ambition by director John Curran – who previously made the likes of romantic drama The Painted Veil and drama thriller Stone – this is a consistently stunning film to look at it. The brilliant and horrific landscape acts like a character in and of itself, presenting that most natural of contradictions in that it looks beautiful but is harsh and unforgiving when trying to navigate it. You always feel like you’re simply watching this woman’s journey unfold and never that it’s some caricaturish display; little details like the sunburn and chapped lips as well as the director and cinematographer Mandy Walker’s skilful conveyance of the heat shuddering off the sand as it envelopes the journey make this as cinematically authentic as you could possible get.

The whole thing is anchored by a terrific performance from Wasikowska, who has continued to prove herself as a diverse actress not scared to take on off-kilter, unshowy roles. It’s always tricky when an actor takes on the role of a real life person as it can sometimes come across as them doing an imitation. But here she inhabits the role in a subtle and believable way, unflashy and sympathetic while still being completely committed in how she’s able to hold the viewer’s attention throughout.

Occasionally the film slips into unnecessary sentiment, such as it when it flashes back to Robyn’s childhood which put a finer point on some of the emotions she is going through than is needed. That being said, this is as much as journey of emotion, self-discovery and psychological survival as it is one of physical endurance. And the film finds a way for us to get inside Robyn’s story and feel like we’re right along with her, willing her on, rather than a passive observer documenting it.

Speaking of which, we have little breaks in the expedition in the form of a photojournalist from National Geographic magazine, the ones sponsoring Robyn’s trip. Adam Driver, still best known for his excellent work in HBO’s Girls, plays somewhat against type as the earnest, eager photographer trying his best to connect with and help Robyn on her way to success but who keeps getting shut out because she has become disinterested in allowing others to be her crutch. The two form an odd but nevertheless believable little relationship that helps us to connect with this amazing story even more.

However, it’s ultimately a one-woman show and Wasikowska carries the film effortlessly. What could have been a dry and monotonous tale, one that was derivative of other self-determination adventure stories like Into the Wild and 127 Hours, is actually one of equal beauty and power with a graceful identity all of its own. This is an inspirational, rousing watch that makes you feel every step of its gruelling journey.

Tracks is released in UK cinemas on April 25th.

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I'm a freelance film reviewer and blogger with over 10 years of experience writing for various different reputable online and print publications. In addition to my running, editing and writing for Thoughts On Film, I am also the film critic for The National, the newspaper that supports an independent Scotland, covering the weekly film releases, film festivals and film-related features. I have a passion for all types of cinema, and have a particular love for foreign language film, especially South Korean and Japanese cinema. Favourite films include The Big Lebowski, Pulp Fiction and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

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Tolkien Biopic to Be Released in May 0 4946

10th May, 2019 is when Tolkien will be released to the world, an autobiographical film that will revolve around the early days of legendary author J.R.R. Tolkien before he became the literary giant that he is today.

Here on Thoughts on Film we are big fans of his work and the recent films made by Peter Jackson. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings (LOTR), are responsible for originating a universe that has gone on to inspire movies, animation, fiction, and modern media interpretations.



This is why Tolkien is regarded by many as the greatest fantasy author of all time. His creative stamp can be seen nearly everywhere in modern media. There’s the direct reinterpretation of his work in the recently released action roleplaying game Middle Earth: Shadow of War, where players are thrust into a major role in Tolkien’s literary canon. George R.R. Martin, who originated the now globally-popular Game of Thrones series on HBO, openly reveres LOTR as the inspiration for his work, citing the early death of Gandalf in Fellowship of the Ring as having a profound effect on his “own willingness to kill characters at the drop of a hat.” On the web, more Tolkien-inspired work can be found on leading slot portal Slingo and its many online titles dedicated to the fantasy genre, including Amazon Queen, Fae Legend Warrior, and Magic Castle, all of which feature elements that can be traced back to the author’s massive body of work. Technically speaking, the same can be said of nearly every major fantasy brand out there today, from Dungeons & Dragons to Magic: the Gathering. In short, almost every type of entertainment that features western fantasy can be traced back to the works of Tolkien.

In the upcoming Tolkien movie, the man will be played by Nicholas Hoult, whom is best known for Mad Max: Fury Road and Hank McCoy in the most recent X-Men movies. And now, the actor’s versatility will be tested as he steps into the shoes of the most iconic fantasy writer of all time. Starring alongside Hoult will be the actress Lily Collins as Edith Bratt – the woman whom Tolkien loved above all and is reportedly the inspiration for all “elven princess characters” in the LOTR series.

Helming the film is director Dome Karukoski whose CV includes 2017’s Tom of Finland, a critically acclaimed chronicle of the life and works of the controversial artist of the same name. And while media outlets haven’t yet heard from either the cast, director, or crew of the film, an official synopsis of the movie has been released via Collider. “Tolkien explores the formative years of the orphaned author as he finds friendship, love and artistic inspiration among a group of fellow outcasts at school. This takes him into the outbreak of World War I, which threatens to tear the “Fellowship” apart. All of these experiences would inspire Tolkien to write his famous Middle-earth novels.” It sounds like a real treat for film, literature, and Middle Earth fans.

Feature: 2019 Oscar Predictions 0 4022

I think it’s fair to say that the run up to this year’s Oscars has been a little messier than usual, from unexpected and bizarre wins at other awards shows (Vice winning Best Editing at the BAFTAs, anyone?) to ridiculous decisions by the Academy to change the show around.

The latter has proved a particular point of contention with both those in the industry to onlookers on social media, with choices such as not letting all the songs be performed to introducing a Best Popular Film category (whatever that means) to not airing four categories live; Editing and Cinematography proved a particular issue, sending the folks of Film Twitter into a Hulk-like rage.

Thankfully all of these decisions except for the one to not have a main host have taken the walk-back of shame; I look forward to Clint Eastwood talking to an empty chair again. Of course there’s still the issue of plenty of thoroughly deserving films, filmmakers and performances not being up for any Oscars at all (*cough* Toni Collette! *cough*) but of course that’s not an issue unique to this year.

The show must go on, as they say, and I thought a week out from this year’s ceremony I’d throw my hat into the ring as far as predictions goes. Below I’ve listed what I think will win in each category, as well as what I personally would like to see pick up that little gold man come next Sunday evening.

Best Picture

Want to win: A Star is Born
Will win: Green Book

Lead Actor

Want to win: Bradley Cooper (A Star is Born)
Will win: Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody)

Lead Actress

Want to win: Olivia Colman (The Favourite)
Will win: Olivia Colman (The Favourite)

Supporting Actor

Want to win: Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)
Will win: Mahershala Ali (Green Book)

Supporting Actress

Want to win: Emma Stone (The Favourite)
Will win: Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk)

Director

Want to win: Alfonso Cuarón (Roma)
Will win: Alfonso Cuarón (Roma)

Animated Feature

Want to win: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Will win: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Adapted Screenplay

Want to win: BlacKkKlansman
Will win: BlacKkKlansman

Original Screenplay

Want to win: First Reformed
Will win: The Favourite

Cinematography

Want to win: Roma
Will win: Roma

Documentary Feature

Want to win: Free Solo
Will win: Minding the Gap

Foreign Language Film

Want to win: Roma
Will win: Roma

Film Editing

Want to win: BlacKkKlansman
Will win: Bohemian Rhapsody

Sound Editing

Want to win: A Quiet Place
Will win: Bohemian Rhapsody

Sound Mixing

Want to win: A Star is Born
Will win: Bohemian Rhapsody

Production Design

Want to win: Roma
Will win: The Favourite

Original Score

Want to win: If Beale Street Could Talk
Will win: Black Panther

Original Song

Want to win: Shallow (A Star is Born)
Will win: Shallow (A Star is Born)

Makeup and Hair

Want to win: Mary Queen of Scots
Will win: Vice

Costume Design

Want to win: Black Panther
Will win: The Favourite

Visual Effects

Want to win: Avengers: Infinity War
Will win: Ready Player One

Animated Short

Want to win: Bao
Will win: Bao

Live Action Short

Want to win: Marguerite
Will win: Marguerite

Documentary Short Subject

Want to win: Black Sheep
Will win: Lifeboat

Do you agree? Disagree? Feel free to leave your predictions/wishes for the winners below or tweet @TOF_UK or @rosstmiller.

Roll on Sunday!