Initiation

Initiation, directed by Michael Pearce and released in 1987, is a thought-provoking coming-of-age film set in the breathtaking landscape of the Australian outback. The movie stars Bruno Lawrence, Rodney Harvey, and Arna-Maria Winchester in classic performances that leave a lasting impression on the audience.

The story begins when Danny, portrayed by young and talented Rodney Harvey, is sent over to stay with his estranged father Ned, played by the brilliant Bruno Lawrence, who works at an opal mining operation in the rugged Australian Outback. Danny, who hails from New York City, feels out of place in this wild, unknown environment and struggles to make a connection with his unfamiliar surroundings. He is even more disoriented by the cold and distant attitude of his father, which only adds to his feeling of alienation.

Contrasted with the desolate, barren vistas of the Outback is the bustling, rowdy atmosphere of the opal mining community where Ned works. We are introduced to a refrain of lively characters, each with their own individual personalities and quirks, each contributing their unique essence to the fabric of the storyline.

One of the key characters in the film is Sara, played by Arna-Maria Winchester. A woman ensnared in this masculine-dominated world, Sarah is also an outsider, similarly estranged from the world she has found herself in. Following her own path, she works at the local hotel while studying anthropology part-time. She instantly connects with Danny, and they find a shared sense of isolation within their new environment.

However, Initiation offers more than just an evocative portrayal of a richly gritty cultural and geographical setting. As a piece of cinema, it delves deep into the themes of identity, belonging, and adolescence. The viewers get to understand Danny as he grapples with questions of who he is and where he belongs, and experiences a rite of passage in navigating through adulthood away from his urban comfort zone. Whether Danny will adapt to the trials the Outback throws his way and overcome them, or return to his previous urban lifestyle, is a key question the audience follows throughout the narrative.

As the plot unfolds, we see Danny, pushed by Sara's influence, taking an interest in the Aboriginal culture, learning more about their connection with the land, the ancestral stories that permeate every aspect of their lives, and the ceremonies that hold great significance to them. This exploration adds yet another layer to Danny's journey of self-discovery and transformation by the end of the film.

Director Michael Pearce hoists Initiation onto an insightful cinematic pedestal with his keen eye for authenticity and detail. He presents us with a near documentary-like depiction of the intersection of these multiple social, cultural, and environmental milieus. This iotas of realism embedded within the narrative and the setting heighten the experience the audience shares with the characters on screen.

The performances are notable, with Bruno Lawrence's portrayal of Ned being a poignant depiction of a hardened man hardened by life and circumstance, yet possessing a veneer of vulnerability. Rodney Harvey's portrayal of Danny is compelling, managing to convey the turmoil of an adolescent in an unfamiliar land. Arna-Maria Winchester, as Sara, presents a strong and determined character, providing both a guiding force and a contrast to the predominantly masculine world she inhabits.

Initiation is distinguished by its striking cinematography, with captivating shots of the Australian Outback that are straight from a landscape painter's canvas. The powerful silence of the desert, the harshness of the mining towns, and the vibrant local color add a great deal of texture to the narrative.

In conclusion, Initiation is a compelling coming-of-age movie that explores significant universal issues while providing a detailed glimpse of a specific time and place in Australian history. Its well-rounded characters, stunning visuals, and a profound narrative make it a must-watch film.