Luke
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CibbuanoThe Quiet Earth
March 13th 2007 00:11
The Quiet Earth (1985)
Wow. I just want to say that a few more times... wow. Wow. Wow. It's movies like this that make you wonder, "How many more hidden gems are out there?" I read about this movie in a book called '1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die' and it sounded marginally interesting, and I finally got my hands on a copy just last week, and then I watched it and it was magnificent. What an amazing movie, where have you been all my life?
Zac wakes up one morning to find that the Earth is completely devoid of life. He travels to the research institute that he works for and comes to the conclusion that a worldwide scientific project he had been involved with is probably to blame. Zac spends the next few weeks looking for any other survivors and the loneliness begins to drive him insane. Eventually Joanne, another survivor, finds him. After that the couple are found by a third survivor, Api. After sharing their experiences leading up to the desolation of the planet they learn the dark truth that has allowed them to survive, and Zac begins to suspect that their journey is only just beginning...
'The Quiet Earth' is an 80s science-fiction film from New Zealand that basically stars only three people. Leading the cast is the late, great Bruno Lawrence (Frontline, Spotswood) as Zac... and he delivers a realistic, down-to-earth performance that completely grounds the film and allows us to identify with the situation. The movie itself is the perfect example of an excellent non-special effects-driven film in the genre, and I was hugely impressed by it's production values. The scenes involving the empty city streets (including one sequence involving a crashed plane) are breathtaking and impressive, and the film is surprisingly A-grade for a science fiction film made in New Zealand in the 1980s.
The story is based on a New Zealander science-fiction novel of the same name, and it's fascinating stuff. The movie is well-executed from start to finish, the opening thirty to forty minutes only feature one actor, but your eyes will be glued to the screen the whole time because the concept and execution is so different from anything else you've ever seen before in film (or since). It's also a very human film, you care for the characters and I really felt quite emotional when Zac finally saw another human face. I should also mention the wonderful music - I shudder to use the word 'sumptuous', but that's the best way to describe it and it really helps highlight the new realms this film takes us to.
I highly recommend this film. Don't watch it expecting freaky aliens, non-stop action or smart-arse Will Smith-style quips. This is a firmly non-Hollywood, serious science-fiction film. And the ending will leave you gobsmacked.
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Comment by Cibbuano
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One of my favourite Sci Fi's ever and the greatest NZ film ever made.
Infinatetly thoughtful and unforgettably told with a gentle eye.
Cib, you can't get this in Oz on DVD but I have a copy you can borrow.
Comment by Luke
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Good to know you like it, you have excellent taste
Comment by JohnDoe
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Keep up the great work.
Comment by Luke
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