Name: The Hunter (2011)
IMDb: link to The Hunter page
Genres: Drama Country of origin: Australia.
Cast: Willem Dafoe as Martin David, Frances O'Connor as Lucy, Sam Neill as Jack Mindy, Marc Watson-Paul as Jarrah Armstrong, Finn Woodlock as Bike (Jamie), Morgana Davies as daughter Sass.
Directed by: Daniel Netheim Written by: Alice Addison.
The initial tableaux:
Martin contracts indirectly with Red Leaf, a biotech firm that is looking for some rare DNA. Unfortunately, the only source of these items is the last remaining Tasmanian tiger. There is restricted intelligence (which will leak) that there have been two confirmed sightings of the rare and elusive beast.
The probable site for the hunt is in central Tasmania. Martin has to deal with lack of electricity, decidedly unfriendly locals, children of the owner of the house he stays at, and foul tap water. Jack Mindy gives him some guide services that he did not ask for.
Delineation of conflicts:
Martin wants to get paid and stay out of jail. Red Leaf wants the organic samples so as to make lots of money.
The locals in Tasmania have logging as a main source of income. Other locals (and outsiders) are involved in a campaign to save the trees. The early take on Martin is that as an outsider, he's a tree hugger, a 'greenie', and should be dealt with harshly.
Jack Mindy has his own agenda which does not seem to be aligned with Martin's. Martin is by no means alone when he is out hunting in the middle of nowhere.
To make matters worse, the tree huggers score a moratorium on logging so that the government can find the Tasmanian tiger. That means no logging and no pay.
Resolution: It's a dark tale with a dark ending. Several of the lies get exposed. Will Red Leaf be patient if Martin takes too long?
One line summary: Capturing the last of a species.
Statistics:
Cinematography: 8/10 Bright and sharp. The Tasmanian countryside chosen for the film was impressive.
Sound: 7/10 The music is often foreboding, which is a nice touch for this sort of property. I could have done without the Springsteen, but it was a part of the story. The actors were well-miked.
Acting: 7/10 Willem Dafoe and Sam Neill were fine. Morgana Davies was entertaining. The actors playing Tasmanian anti-tree huggers locals were effective as thugs.
Screenplay: 8/10 The story hangs together well. The exposition of motivations was good. Some might find it a bit slow. On the other hand, hunting is often slow.
Final rating: 7/10
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