Although local audiences were not impressed on it's release in 1971, Wake in Fright was an international hit and is credited with starting the rejuvenation of the local film industry. Half a century after its release it is hard to think of another film that comes close to its harsh and visceral depiction of Australian masculinity, the national drinking culture and the latent violence of the outback.
Do not miss this incredible, shattering look at the fine line that separates civilisation from savagery, which Nick Cave described as “the best and most terrifying film about Australia in existence”.
Synopsis:
Mild-mannered teacher John Grant leaves his outback school for the Christmas break with his holiday pay in his pocket and plans to meet his girlfriend in Sydney. Stopping on route at Bundanyabba (the tough outback mining town of Broken Hill), he loses his money in an Australian betting game called two-up. Stranded, he is plunged into an alcohol-soaked few days with the locals that will strip his identity and threaten his sanity.
