Australia (2008)

Well, I was going to do a review of High Tension to continue yesterday's theme, but then...

There was Australia. There was that genre mixing, whirring epic that is beautiful in every single way. Leave it to Baz Luhrmann to make something boring into something new, appealing, and feeling antiquated in a good way. There haven't been movies like this one for a good 70 years.

The epic starts off as an adventure/western movie. After her husband who owns a cattle droving service in Australia asks her to come, Sarah (Nicole Kidman) leaves her rich mansion in England. Her husband dies and she takes over his industry with Drover (Hugh Jackman). Along the way, they meet a mixed Aborigine girl named Nullah and adopt her. The film changes genres every 45 minutes and eventually ends as a war movie in which the couple witnesses the effects of Pearl Harbor on Australia first hand.

Never before has a film been so beautiful. Every shot that Lurhmann makes is more beautiful than the last. Most of the film was shot on location so everything is very pleasing to the eye. Rich colors and smart shots all around, I'd say Baz Luhrmann has secured a nomination.

They don't make movies like this one anymore. Australia is based off the analogy of The Wizard of Oz which alone gives it its own flavor. Also, it reminds me a lot of The African Queen and definitely draws parallels to other classic films. Look no further than title credits' typeface to be reminded of old movies.

Australia is clever, witty, and emotional. Audiences in the theater I saw it in were clearly engaged, crying and laughing at certain scenes. I have never seen a movie in theaters that made me and the audience feel so engaged. Luhrmann needs to keep making movies. He's one of the only great directors around now.