No. 6. (2020) TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG January 30th.

Film No 6 (2020)  Jan. 30th.  2:30 AM  Stan, Australian Streaming Service from Home. 

"And here is a chance my boy to step out of your mongrel life into something new" (Harry Power gives some life changing advice to young Ned as his guardian of sorts).

The essence of the Peter Carey novel of the same name is gathered here in a gritty, chilling version of the legend that was Ned Kelly and his gang.

Writer Shaun Grant (Snowtown, Berlin Syndrome) and Director Justin Kurzel (Snowtown) have created a film full of brutality and loveless chaos. We rarely witness hold ups or gunfights with more high octane drama, answering questions about the tortured life of the Kelly crew. Careys novel was all about the sense of grime and repression that surrounded Ned, the essence of why he had such scant respect for law and order. There is no Robin Hood effect here.

True Histroy presents in two parts. The star performer is young Ned played by Orlando Schwerdt. His relationships with mum (Essie Davis) and Harry Power (Russell Crowe), the man touted as Ned's mentor in the murder and mayhem, essential to all that follows. George Mackay (1917) takes over as Ned to take us through his inevitable demise. Some scenes in the latter half of True History are puzzling but they add to the experience of this unique film. 

I'm saddened that I watched True History on my phone (Streaming on Stan) and not on the big screen, but if it means a wider audience, then all hail new technology. I fear however that because of the unconventionality of True History it's easier to hit the red standby button. Time will tell. 10GUMS.