IN A SAVAGE LAND (M). (Beyond Films/Universal) Director: Bill Bennett Stars: Rufus Sewell, Martin Donovan, Maya Stange, Max Cullen, John Howard, Andrew S Gilbert, Susan Lyons, Marshall Napier Running time: 106 minutes.
Just before the outbreak of World War Two, a pair of newly wed anthropologists venture to the Trobriand Islands off New Guinea to study the sexual habits and rituals of the local tribesmen. However, their experiences soon expose the cracks in their unsatisfactory relationship, and tension grows between the pair that affects their work.
Phillip Spence (an unusually lethargic and insipid Martin Donovan) is a renowned anthropologist and teacher looking forward to the challenge of studying the sexual mores of a tribe largely untouched by the twentieth century. His wife Evelyn (newcomer Maya Stange) is a former student and idealist with outspoken views on the direction that their research should take. Far from being a demure assistant and typist, Evelyn takes to pursuing her own research, which upsets Phillip. Evelyn also manages to offend both the stuffy colonial administrator (a tired Max Cullen) and a pompous priest (Sea Change's John Howard) determined to bring Christianity and civilisation to the savages. As the tension between her and her husband increases, Evelyn is attracted to Carpenter (Rufus Sewell), the ruggedly handsome, roguish pearl fisherman and trader.
In her first major film appearance, Stange delivers a solid performance in a quite complex and emotionally demanding role, and she carries the film. Sewell and Donovan are far less impressive in clichéd roles.
Writer/director Bill Bennett has tackled some ambitious themes here - changing sexual roles in the 20th century, the clash of cultures, western imperialism and the destruction of so-called primitive societies - but he is let down by the somewhat clichéd and melodramatic narrative. In A Savage Land is based on a true story, but Bennett and his co-writer Jennifer Bennett have opted for some soft options and familiar stereotypes rather than more hard hitting stuff.
Production values are solid, with plenty of attention paid to accuracy concerning period detail and costumes. Bennett spent some two years researching the film and studying the Trobriand Islands, and has captured some of the tribal rituals in detail. He has undertaken the difficult task of filming in the inhospitable wilds of New Guinea itself rather than in a more friendly environment, but his decision has added authenticity to the dramatic locations. Cinematographer Danny Ruhlmann, a former director of high profile commercials, uses the wide screen to great effect here, creating some vivid and memorable images that leave more of a lasting impression than the sometimes routine drama itself.
In A Savage Land is almost a conventional film, and lacks the assured cinematic style and energy that Bennett brought to the screen with his stylish, award winning thriller Kiss Or Kill. The pace is occasionally plodding, and the film lacks any real sense of passion and emotional depth.
** greg king http://www.netau.com.au/gregking
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