swindexer-02633
I was looking forward to this series, having enjoyed the movie 'Mystery Road'; however, I was disappointed. Disappointed, but not so surprised as the series demonstrated, yet again, everything that is wrong with too many Australian productions. These are:
1. The idea that spectacular scenery is on the same level as dramatic effect. By all means include spectacular scenery, but not as a replacement for the drama; it's not supposed to be a travelogue.
2. An over-loud and (to my ears) rather whiney soundtrack that, again, seemed to be there to replace the lack of dramatic effect that should have been achieved with better plot construction, character arc and dialogue. In addition, too often the soundtrack seemed to be warning of an impending crisis that didn't eventuate.
3. A plot that was, by turns, unbelievable and banal (I won't list the criticisms for fear of spoiling an otherwise spoiled plot). But they beg the question: don't the film-makers themselves ever discuss the plot and try and eliminate the obvious 'fridge moments' before filming starts? I wouldn't have thought it would be that difficult.
4. Characters with only a single characteristic - and remaining without any transformation throughout the series. In most cases, this single characteristic was a sort of dull and sour glumness. The only characters who seemed to have a sense of humour - or, I should say, were trying to exhibit a sense of humour without any script support - were the characters played by Judy Davis, Colin Friels and Tasma Walton. The only two characters who livened up the scenes they were in were the two backpackers who - perhaps because they were not Australian - were given more leeway in their characterisations.
5. Lack of interesting dialogue. It seems to me that many Australian film-makers have misinterpreted the exhortation 'show, don't tell' to literally remove any but the most essential dialogue - thus missing the fact that the exhortation is referring to exposition, not dialogue per se. It also seems that the Australian film-maker's consideration of 'realism' obscures the need for the dialogue to sparkle with humour and originality. Good dialogue is essential for defining differences in character and, unfortunately, by equipping most of the characters in Mystery Road with only grunts and ill-formed sentences, all the characters are essentially identical. In addition, please stop the nonsense of artificially creating dramatic effect by refusing to allow characters to normally communicate with each other by, for example, asking obvious questions. It's just laziness. I read that the two stars (Davis and Pederson) had a significant input into the dialogue. Just goes to show that they should stick to what they're good at - acting.
techwriter-27949
Good scenery but and in the mould of so many Australian dramas, with two dimensional characters with no endearing qualities reciting their lines. There's absolutely no humour, not a witty bit of piss taking that we all do, no matter how dire the situation. Is it the scriptwriter, the melodramatic acting or the director who fails to pause and instruct them how to speak like normal people?
Kim Challands
I'm pretty hard to please when it comes to crime shows. Most are over the top and unrealistic with plots that are tired and done to death. Mystery Road has the right amount of tension and intrigue. It's not fast paced but it doesn't need to be. There is enough going on behind the scenes with great little sub-plots to keep you interested. What about the actors? I've always been a fan of Aaron Pedersen and he doesn't let me down. A wonderful performance. The rest of the cast was solid and believable. I didn't want the series to end its that good.
