Before I dive into the 13th of 31 posts I want to mention that I am laughing at myself right now for two reasons. First I actually had my hopes up pretty high for Quarantine and secondly why did it take me 13 days to realize that if I could remember the date I could then know what Day I am currently on. I was actually opening up a second browser window just to see what number the post was from the previous days. Enough poking fun at myself today’s movie is a very somber and serious movie. I felt that after mentioning Freaked yesterday it was only fitting to go the complete opposite route and to talk a bit about Peter Weir’s 1975 film Picnic at Hanging Rock.
On St. Valentine’s Day 1900 a group of girls from an exclusive private school travel to Hanging Rock in Victoria’s Mount Macedon region. During the picnic three of the young girls and one of their teachers disappear without a trace. No reason is ever given for the disappearance and the one girl who does return can not remember what has happened after falling and hitting her head. Picnic at Hanging Rock tells of the tragedy that took place on that Valentine’s day.
What makes Picnic such a masterpiece and a true classic is the combination of taking what could really be a true story and adding on a sense of dark fantasy and unease. The original novel is written as if it is a true account of a disappearance and Peter Weir’s film is also able to create that feeling. We all know that this did not really happen now but I have no doubt that many people who originally saw this would have felt that it is a true story. Throughout the entire movie there is almost a feeling of Alice in Wonderland; things just do not feel right. This is most evident when the three girls first wander off into the mountain. You know right away that something bad is going to happen just from the atmosphere that Weir is able to create. Nature itself is working against the picnic party and it is going to claim the three girls.
Picnic at Hanging Rock is not an easy movie. It is art house with a capital A. Do not expect any easy answers on why or how the girls went missing. Go into this one to partake in the atmosphere that soaks through the entire movie and you will not be displeased.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for Day 14 of the 31 Days of Horror.
Now we are talking. This is an absolutely perfect film, and a great example of atmospheric horror. Outstanding choice John.
I’ve been doing a bit more reading tonight and I guess the original author actually included an extra chapter which was cut from the book that explains what actually happened to the girls. That chapter was released at a later time. I’d hate to read it. I’d rather just leave it up in the air.
While the recent NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD, documentary on the Aussie boom of exploitation film actually uses this film as a the ‘bar’ of why Australian films were ‘haughty’ at the time, I don’t think anything could be further from the truth. Other than the white dresses, this film implies a lot of creeping horror (in the form of simply ‘implacable’). Overall, one of my favourite films of all time. nice to see it turn up here. There is a finite focus column on this one somewhere in the Rowthree archives, as well.
I actually own this one and have never gotten around to popping it in. Maybe I’ll bring it with me to Toronto and watch it in KBT.
Where it was screened, my very old (not that great an encode) Criterion Disc: http://kurtscomment.blogspot.com/2006/08/kbt-presents-picnic-at-hanging-rock.html
Too busy watching the sequel to Lonesome Dove, Drew?
Ha.
Matt-2; Andrew-0