The Big Hurt (1986)
10/10
Actually a Good Film
9 November 2014
If you are looking for raw action and high drama you won't find it here. Instead, this film broods in the darkness so to speak and gradually makes its real horror until the viewer suddenly realizes they're witnessing a nightmare.

The lead, a reporter, tends to be low-key; likely he is jaded from having seen so much on the job and when he begins the investigation into a series of suicides he doesn't appear to be surprised.

Until later.

This film views its narrative from the view of the lead, and since he does not know anything except what learns during the movie, it isn't until the very end that we figure it out. People who are expecting a continuous bout of fighting and destruction will be disappointed. This film is subtle and delivers its message with a slow crush rather than a blunt hit.

Some of the differing views of this film may have to do with it being pure Australian. The Australian audience may see this differently than I do - it's something to keep in mind.

The music is interesting - it actually complements the film with its atonal melodic lines and constantly descending sequences. As though the music is following the progress of our hero for whom things get darker and darker.

I was very impressed when I saw this film. It certainly is not a conventional chase or horror film but it has its own unique flavor. It's worth giving it a look if you keep your expectations blank.
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