The Best Australian Films Of 2013

Not everything we watch is American. Just most of it...

The Great Gatsby

Warner Bros. / Via movieinsider.com

Directed by: Baz Luhrmann

Written by: Baz Luhrmann (screenplay), Craig Pearce (screenplay), F. Scott Fitzgerald (based on the novel by)

You knew it would be here. Whilst the film itself divided opinion on both over-zealous production and truthfulness to the book (which, let's face it, is always an issue with movie/books) it was still Australia's most successful film of the year. If the purpose of film as a medium is to influence and effect the masses, then Gatsby delivers - the myriad of fashion blogs and party themes associated with it a testament.

With a blockbuster cast many would hesitate to associate with Australian Film, Gatsby conquered. Whether we want to admit it or not.

The Rocket

Red Lamp Films / Via mumbrella.com.au

Directed by: Kim Mordaunt

Written by: Kim Mordaunt

A fantastically interesting Australian film which recently took out the "Best Debut Feature" at the Berlin Film Festival, The Rocket is unique in that it does not have many of the stereotypical tropes associated with Australian film. Gone are the red deserts and Akubra hats, instead replaced with the vegetation dense landscape of Cambodia. The Rocket is the most unique Australian film of both 2013 and the past couple years.

The Turning

Arena Media / Screen Australia / Via imdb.com

Directed by: Jonathan auf der Heide - "Fog"
Tony Ayres - "Cockleshell"
Jub Clerc - "Abbreviation"
Robert Connolly - "Aquifer"
Shaun Gladwell - "Family"
Rhys Graham - "Small Mercies"
Justin Kurzel - "Boner McPharlin's Moll"
Yaron Lifschitz - ("Immunity")
Anthony Lucas - "Damaged Goods"
Claire McCarthy - "The Turning"
Ian Meadows - "Defender"
Ashlee Page - "On Her Knees"
Stephen Page - ("Sand")
Simon Stone- "Reunion"
Warwick Thornton - "Big World"
Marieka Walsh - "Ash Wednesday"
Mia Wasikowska - "Long, Clear View"
David Wenham - "Commision",

Written by: Tim Winton

Australia's much loved author, Tim Winton, achieves with The Turning what he failed to with TV series Cloudstreet. This interesting and new project brings together 17 different directors to tell a range of Winton's short stories. The result is a touching compilation of humor, wit, drama and suspense with excellent performances all round.

Mystery Road

Mystery Road Films / Screen Australia

Directed by: Ivan Sen

Written by: Ivan Sen

This Australia western/crime hybrid may frustrate a few with its script and character arcs, however it is a beautifully crafted piece of art that director Ivan Sen can be proud of. There are great performances from Aaron Pedersen (who plays the main), Hugo Weaving and Tony Barry - and it's this once paired with beautiful cinematography that ties the film together.

Tracks

Directed by: John Currean

Written by: Marion Nelson

Tracks is the adaptation of Robyn Davidson's memoir, tracking her journey across the Australian desert with a group of camels and a dog. The film itself has been in the works since the '80s, with Julia Roberts originally cast as the main. That project never transpired, however Mia Wasikowska (In Treatment, Alice In Wonderland, Jane Eyre) does a brilliant job in portraying a woman who is on a quest both internally and externally. It had a small release late this year, and is set for wider screenings come 2014.

What To Look Forward To:

Big things in 2014...

Around The Block

Set to be released in 2014, Around The Block has been making waves on the festival circuit. The film centers around an Aboriginal community, the introduction of American teacher Dino (Ricci), and the struggle for identity. Can't wait for this one.

The Rover

Not much is known about The Rover except its release date (2014), the stars involved (Guy Pearce, Robert Pattinson,) and a thin synopsis. So far, we know that Pearce and Pattinson are forced to work together to find a stolen car. Hopefully there will be a trailer soon! This aside, everything points to a great film.