Jack and I loved this, "based on the remarkable true, story" of Robyn Davidson who walked 1700 miles across Australia over about nine months in 1977, with her dog Diggity and some camels. Mia Wasikowska's intensity is just right as anti-social Robyn. Don't be misled by the poster of her (last blogged in Only Lovers Left Alive) with Adam Driver (most recently in This Is Where I Leave You), this isn't a romance--Robyn has trouble letting people in. The real Robyn turned 27 in 1977 and has led a remarkable life. Apparently this story has been in development longer than Wasikowska, now 25, has been alive. Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman were each once considered for the lead. I don't want to discount Driver's performance--he's good as usual, this time as photographer Rick who does all he can to help Robyn in her solo quest. It's fun to see photos of the real Robyn and Rick, who happen to closely resemble the actors, at the end credits.
Directed with an even hand by John Curran (covered in Stone) and magnificently shot by Mandy Walker (Lantana (2001), Shattered Glass (2003), Australia), this movie has a few nominations and I imagine more will follow. The screenplay was adapted from Davidson's memoir of the same name by Marion Nelson in her debut. Plenty of girl power both on the screen and off.
The dreamy music by Garth Stevenson can be sampled on youtube or purchased at the retailer of your choice. And we enjoyed the judicious use of Hoagy Carmichael singing his hit song Stardust. Rotten Tomatoes' critics average 81% and audiences 76. Go see it on the big screen.
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