Travelling North

Travelling North is a captivating 1987 film directed by the highly acclaimed Australian director, Carl Schultz. It stars seasoned performers like Leo McKern and Julia Blake, along with the talented Henri Szeps, delivering the right amount of skilled performance necessary to make the story radiate with realism.

The plot revolves around the central character, Frank, portrayed phenomenally by Leo McKern, a political activist from the 60s era with an unwavering spirit. Now in his 60s, Frank decides that it's time to retire and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. He chooses to do so with his much-younger love interest, Frances, played astutely by Julia Blake. They decide to bid farewell to the confines of Melbourne and move to North Queensland's tropical utopia. The mutually affectionate romance between McKern and Blake shines brightly, thus; making it a pivotal presence in the film.

However, the paradise they envisioned doesn't turn out to be as peachy as they expected due to a medley of reasons. Their retiree journey into tranquillity is rudely interrupted by Frank's deteriorating health, along with the couple's relentless feud with their hard-headed neighbour, Freddie, portrayed effectively by Henri Szeps. The movie beautifully captures the themes of ageing, companionship, adjusting to alien environments and the hurdles that life can throw unexpectedly.

The film Travelling North traces the lives of older adults trying to adapt to physical, emotional, and circumstantial changes, allowing the movie to touch upon sombre and often underrepresented narratives in cinema. The maturity and richness with which the characters are written contribute to the film's candidness and depth tremendously.

Leo McKern’s portrayal of Frank is raw, compelling and incredibly praiseworthy. He perfectly captures the essence of a man dealing with the banalities and conflicts of life, making his performance in this film an engaging watch. A man of firm ideas and passionate beliefs who gradually learns to confront the challenges of old age with courage and grit.

In a similar vein, Julia Blake’s performance as Frances provides an excellent balance. She is both supportive and understanding, yet never submissive, displaying her character’s individuality and steely resolve. Their dynamic and chemistry together make for a genuinely heart-warming watch.

Henri Szeps as the next-door neighbour, Freddie, adds another layer to the narrative. His personal quirks and contentious attitude serve as obstacles that Frank and Frances must navigate in their quest for peaceful coexistence. Szeps delivers a credible and commendable performance, showing the audience how even a gruff exterior can hide individual vulnerabilities and complexities.

The cinematic prowess of Carl Schultz comes to the forefront in Travelling North. His storytelling skill shines bright through the compelling performances, amplified by the breathtaking scenic cinematography. The gorgeous backdrop of the stunning beaches is a metaphorical representation of the paradisiacal retirement dream for Frank and Frances, turning the location into a character in itself.

The screenplay, which was adapted from the stage play written by esteemed writer David Williamson, offers a detailed exploration of the human condition. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and loaded with emotional nuances, providing an intimate view into the character’s psyche.

Arguably, Travelling North could be considered a "small movie" given its intimate scale and focused character studies. Yet, it’s this quietness and sense of intimacy that allows the film to delve deeply into the human experience, reflections on life, love, and the multiplicity of challenges faced in later years. It stands as a powerful and poignant rumination on ageing wrapped in a beautiful narrative.

Overall, Travelling North is a movie that dramatically explores the joys and pains of later life with a refreshing honesty, depth, and authenticity. It is a must-watch film for those who enjoy character-driven narratives and revel in the ability of cinema to hold a mirror to life. The exemplary performances of its star cast make it an engaging experience worth revisiting.