Bad Blood

Bad Blood is a captivating historical crime-drama that hit the big screens in 1981. The movie is translated from real events documented in Mike Riddell's book. This engrossing piece, featuring a sterling performance by Jack Thompson, takes us back to 1941, to the isolation of New Zealand’s Southern Alps during World War II.

The movie centers around Stanley Graham (Jack Thompson), a hard-nosed West Coast farmer disenchanted by the economic conditions surrounding him. Things start to spiral out of control when local police officers confiscate his firearms due to a wartime regulation. Graham, pushed to his limits, resists vehemently, setting in motion a confrontation that spirals into bloody chaos. His world collapses as he retaliates with force, setting off a series of violent confrontations with the police.

Carol Burns delivers a standout performance as Stanley's doting and confused wife, Dorothy Graham. Burns brings out the strength and fragility of a woman torn apart between her love for her husband and the increasing horror of his actions. Despite her quiet role, she portrays the emotional turmoil of her character quite explicitly.

Bad Blood is enriched by Denis Lill, who plays Ted Best, a senior police officer. He brings depth to his role as the troubled and desperate man who oversees the hunt for the dangerous Stanley Graham. He conveys Best's struggle to end the standoff peacefully and prevent further loss of life with conviction and subtlety.

Director Mike Newell, already well-known for his versatility in terms of genre, once again showcases his masterful storytelling ability in Bad Blood. His direction excels in capturing the bleak and isolating environment of rural West Coast New Zealand, which adds a layer of tension and charm to the narrative. His depiction of the raw and haunting beauty of the mountains strongly resonates with the bleakness suffusing the plot.

Bad Blood excels in providing a realistic historical reenactment. The movie extensively captures the feel of New Zealand's rural life during wartime and accentuates the severity of the circumstances that pushed Graham towards the path of violence. The stark and wild scenery of the West Coast in the movie contributes to the brooding atmosphere and the escalating tension.

The film's script, written by Andrew Brown, respects its historical source material while keeping the plot engaging and suspenseful. The characters are given a complex psychological depth that the cast expounds on remarkably. Furthermore, the dialogue is crafted in an authentic period manner, lending additional authenticity to the story.

Bad Blood's cinematography, delivered by Ian Paul, is one of its greatest strengths. Every frame, every shot, helps to guide the mood of the film. The grim and barren landscape becomes a character in its own right, reflecting the isolation felt by the characters. The photography effectively illustrates the harsh reality of the rugged life in the mountains and enhances the impact of the storyline.

Complementing the visual storytelling is the stout score from Richard Rodney, which simultaneously captures the melancholy of the hopes dashed and the adrenaline of impending danger. The music is used sparingly yet efficiently; at times, the only sounds are that of the rustic solitude, which enhances the suspense and isolation experienced by the characters.

In conclusion, Bad Blood is a masterful historical crime-drama that introduces us to the life and trials of Stanley Graham. The film boasts a strikingly real-life portrayal that pushes the limits of conventional storytelling. It is a beautifully dark and dramatic journey deeply rooted in historicity, delivering solid performances from a cast led by Jack Thompson, Carol Burns, and Denis Lill.

Bad Blood is a well-executed film about a chilling chapter in New Zealand's history that grips the audience's attention with its high stakes and psychological depth. Its haunting visual imagery and profound performances combined with the historical authenticity make it a striking and unforgettable movie.