The Proposition
As the opening credits roll amidst black and white photos of cavalrymen and chained Aboriginals in John Hillcoat’s The Proposition, there is a respectful quiet that lingers, only to be broken by an explosive shootout in a rickety Outback shack. The spectator is immediately drawn in to what will be an epic story of three brothers faced with certain death. Superbly acted by Guy Pierce, Ray Winstone and Emily Watson The Proposition is the sort of story you’d imagine would come from the depths of singer/songwriter Nick Cave. And it does.
Morality, loyalty, savagery and an early settler’s Outback landscape makes for a deeply atmospheric and haunting story of one brother, who is presented with a proposition: sacrifice his family allegiance by killing his oldest brother to save the life of his youngest brother. In this story, the good guys are bad and the bad guys are good; the law is corrupt and the corrupt are the law. It’s difficult to sympathise with any one character and it’s impossible not too — that’s where the film stands apart from most. We’re uncomfortable with every breath taken, yet the beauty of the cinematography is constantly appreciated. It’s an epic story and treated as such. One can’t help but be completely immersed. As I pointed out, Australian icon Nick Cave wrote the story for The Proposition and it fits in perfectly with the usual solitary, soul searching murder ballads for which he’s so well known. His accompanying soundtrack is unforgettable. Also memorable are performances by David Gulpilil and John Hurt.
The Proposition is visual and aural poetry on the big screen.
Heather Taylor Johnson
