Baz Luhrmann’s unique style of directing was very apparent in the beginning of the movie. That’s how he brings out the comedic side of things. There were also elements that reminded of all his three previous movies, elements that perhaps made all three great.
But in the second half of Australia, as the tone got more sombre, Luhrmann lost his flair, his spark. That uniqueness was no longer apparent. I’m not saying that the movie became bland, or less interesting; don’t get me wrong. Just that it became a “normal”, “ordinary” Hollywood movie.
Even so, Luhrmann still captured the beauty of the landscape, the flavour of outback Australia, and still captured the audience hearts and tugged at their heartstrings when called for.
There were so many sub-plots in the story. Perhaps too many and some became a distraction. The main plot seemed to be the love story between the two leads but then again, there was the cattle issue and then WWII came along. Too many things happening and the length of the movie became apparent as well.
Hugh Jackman looked very comfortable playing the Aussie who’s rough around the edges. Nicole Kidman on the other hand looked a little stiff at times playing the British – stiffer than what was required of her stiff character of course. But the chemistry between the two was undeniable.
Lurhmann’s decision on an epic storyline was a little too epic for its own good. Being such a grand film with grand ideas for it, the progression and story development may not have the chance of being thorough enough onscreen to cater for the grandness of it all.
But having said that, Lurhmann did manage to keep the flow of the story and not let all the sub-plots feel like they were in the way but as parts of the whole.
At the end of it, Australia felt like Gone With The Wind with the similar themes. I’m not sure if it could have been better, though it was definitely not bad.
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