Goldstone (2016) Reviews

• Loved it

  A_Different_Drummer2016-12-30

  Goldstone essentially picks up where Mystery Road left off. Which is wonderful for the viewer, because Mystery Road is one of my favourite films, I am a huge fan of writer/director Ivan Sen, and Aaron Pedersen's "aboriginal detective" is one of my favourite all time film characters. What makes these films so special, aside from superb writing, acting, and direction? Cinematography --- as I said in my review of Mystery Road, the country itself is the unbilled co-star and the aerial shots are to die for. The themes. Sen is too good a writer to avoid core underlying themes of morality, good and evil, greed and kindness. Even when you think you are just watching a sunset, you realize there are other things going on. Which brings us to the true genius of this writer/director -- in the opinion of this reviewer, Sen manages to construct the tone and mood of a 1940s film noire in 21st century Australia, in daylight, and in full colour. If you think that is easy to do .. try it some time. Recommended. Don't be shy -- give it a try.

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• Enjoyable piece of Australian cinema

  gavinp92018-01-02

  'Goldstone' is the sequel to 'Mystery Road', a decent Australian outback murder-mystery, but I actually liked 'Goldstone' better, as it has more unknowns and undercurrents than it's predecessor. Pedersen is back as Detective Jay Swan, but he's a bit more disheveled this time, having gone through some type of trauma in his life. He arrives in Goldstone, a tiny outback town, looking for a missing girl and isn't really welcomed and has to try to find her with resistance from everyone. The cast is great - Josh (Russell) is the only police officer for 100's of kilometres and it's great to see him wrestle with what's right vs what he can and can't turn a blind eye to; Maureen (Weaver) is the crazy-eyed, false-smile mayor; Jimmy (Gulpilil) & Tommy (Lewis) are local aboriginal elders, and while Gulpilil's role is small, it's significant; Johnny (Wenham) is the greedy mine manager, supplying jobs (and alcohol); and May (Davidson) is a woman trapped in a tough situation. Josh and Jay clash, as he doesn't need outsiders interfering, and Maureen and Johnny certainly don't want their racquet foiled. Plenty happens, even though there's lots of great scenery shots, as well as some from overhead (crane or helicopter), that look amazing. It's filmed in western Queensland, but could be anywhere in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia or New South Wales - extremely desolate and at times, beautiful. It's a slow burn, but everything comes together strongly for the final 20min, with a good ending. Plenty of social commentary - aboriginal interests vs mining interests; city vs country way-of-life; greed vs ethics; but in the end, it's an above average cop thriller that works on a few levels.

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• Then why isn't it your concern?

  jorgehall2018-04-13

  This movie just came to the US and it was playing at the theater where I work. I wasn't really planning to see it because the poster looked pretty generic, but after watching the trailer I changed my mind because it looked very well shot and I have yet to see a bad Australian film. Man, am I glad I watched this. EVERY aspect of this movie is so well handled. The cinematography, directing, writing and acting are all so well done without being too flashy. It all fits with the story being told. Every single performance was great. I especially enjoyed Aaron Pederson's understated, tormented performance. Understated is actually an accurate adjective for all of this film. The only performance I thought was mediocre was the actress who played May. This was most likely the casting, but I would've liked her English to be more broken. I also felt she was a little too confident for the position she was in. The writing is really good. The story is nothing revolutionary but it's simple and effective. The movie is definitely slow but I was never bored. What I really loved was the dialogue. There were moments when it was very powerful but never heavy handed. I think the wonderful performances and subtle direction assisted in that. Also, I loved Josh's character arc. His arc, as well as the slow build up, made the climax SO satisfying. The cinematography was gorgeous but subtle. Expressive but never too flashy. Probably the best aerial shots I've personally seen in a movie. The shootout is so well shot and directed. Really got me going. All in all I would definitely recommend this to a patient movie-goer. I had a really great experience and enjoyed every second. This score is also something to be mentioned, beautiful and emotional.

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• All the ugly side of Australia peeled away in a subtle way...

  mifunesamurai2017-02-04

  A wonderfully slow paced movie that gives you time to chew on the underlying fat of what is so screwed up with the Aussie outback political culture. Ivan Sen does not leave anything out, touching on the Stolen Generation, the rape and pillage by mining companies on sacred land, the destruction and disintegration of the Indigenous culture, and even the exploitation in the sex slave trade. It is ugly, almost revisiting that icon Australian movie, WAKE IN FRIGHT. It sometimes takes an outsider to see what is so wrong with a country, as Ted Kotcheff did with Wake In Fright, Louis Malle with Alamo Bay and Wim Wenders with almost everything he made in America. But Australia has its very own soul searching local filmmaker in Ivan Sen, who peels away those layers a bit at a time, with every layer revealing the true ugliness of this country. The plus side was the technical aspect, with the cinematography being the added bonus, perfectly capturing the mood in the isolated remote locations. Once again that was superbly handled by the director himself, who also had a hand in the music. If you are searching for a fast paced action thriller, than keep away from this movie. But if you desire to be challenged and mentally stimulated without having topics shoved down your throat, than seek this movie out, and enjoy what it has to offer.

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• Aussie cinematic gold......

  s32761692016-11-11

  Again and again, Australia proves it has an exceptional talent, for crafting quality cinema. Goldstone is yet another real Aussie gem of a film. Its a story that has depth and beauty, juxtaposed by self effacing, unapologetic, honesty. A reflection, in many ways, of the stark Australian outback, in which it is set. There's a good detective drama on offer here too, backed by a really soulful, back story. A story that, in a straightforward but touching way, draws the viewers attention to the sad reality of life, for minorities and those marginalized by society. Aaron Pedersen has much to be proud of in the lead role as police officer Jay Swan. Like the film itself, his performance is understated, yet, at times, almost inexplicably moving. The other cast members distinguish themselves too, including Alex Russell, who plays Swan's local police counterpart, Josh. In short Goldstone is remarkably well written, directed and acted. True Aussie cinematic gold. Nine out of ten from me.

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