We are meant to have filmed all our interesting history, but fascinating stories keep popping up. I knew a bit about Arthur Upfield, the creator of Bony, but had no idea he had helped provide inspiration for a real life killer. The sheer novelty of this story plus its Depression-era-rural-WA-setting makes this a must-see for Aussie crime buffs; it is also well acted, and looks terrific, full of atmosphere (desert sunsets, old courtrooms and bookstores, camel stations, billies of tea, etc).
The first bit is the best – Upfield and Snowy being mates in the outback; Upfield being stumped for plots; Snowy wanting something better while banging a cute girl (Emma Booth in what is really gratuitous nudity, although enjoyable). You get a real sense of mateship and camaraderie of these lonely isolated people – which makes Snowy’s crimes all the more awful. It’s like a true life version of Wolf Creek.
The second half isn’t as good. I think too much time is given to Upfield wandering around feeling bad and not getting along with his wife; Robert Menzies is an excellent actor but surely it would have been better to concentrate on Nicholas Hopes’ character, who at least is active? The stuff with Upfield is a bit dreary – I kept wanting to go back to Snowy and the investigation/persecution. It’s still enjoyable.
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