Director: Geoffrey Wright
While watching this film I was reminded of Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange; a connection I am not alone in drawing. It is largely down to the ultraviolence of the gang of young men, though unlike Alex, who is not driven by any real political ideas, these men are proud Neo-Nazis. As with Kubrick's film, Romper Stomper was controversial for its alleged uncritical depiction of such violence.
Russell Crowe is a magnetic terror in this film; almost bestial as he snarls at the world. The other performances are good, but none is as good as Crowe's. He is the true believer in the group, ultimately beyond the reach of human emotions like love. The cinematography paints Australia as grungy and ugly, reflecting both the perspective of the racist gang, who see this new multicultural Australia as ugly, and the ugliness of their ideas.
I wouldn't say I liked this film, but it is always good to become better acquainted with the filmmaking from one's own country. Also demonstrates how great Russell Crowe is as an actor.
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