I also watched it all the time when it was constantly on HBO in the early 80s. I was about 12 years old and it gripped me. I couldn't get enough of it. I just watched it again this morning for the first time in about 20 years, and understood a few things I didn't when I was a kid. Now I'm sitting here alone in my home and kind of depressed and have no idea why. I just read Tabby's post and the word "haunting" is perfect. The death of the parents is awful, but that's not what gets to me...I wish I could figure it out. Foley's death stabs me in the heart, and Shawn putting that medicine pouch with Foley back where it started--something Shawn never knew--is amazing. I guess I really want to know what happened to Shawn. Did he decide to stay in the Outback? Did he finally find someone who eventually got him back home? Did they ever recover Shawn's parents? I have to assume once the family didn't come home after their vacation that other members of the family started trying to figure out what happened. I wish I didn't care so much and could let it all go, but I have always wanted to know.
I guess...in a strange way...I miss Foley, while conscious of the fact Holden died soon after as well. Gosh, I feel like bawling my eyes out right now...a 41 year old man! But Foley said to never be ashamed of love, and I do love this movie and the characters.
i found your comments quite interesting. my take on the movie is similar to yours, i think.
it's odd (for me, especially) but i can't remember when i saw this film long ago. i assume i saw it in the mid 80s. but in any case i never forgot it, it was seared in my mind. the whole shebang was on cue, the story and both holden and schroeder. there's some sort of nether element in this film that is gripping; i suspect even to some viewers who aren't aware they were affected. it's just so existential, so poignant. it's so earthy (hence the title, i suppose) and universal, considering we all shall die at some point.
i think that maybe the strength of this film is in that it takes something as universal & run of the mill as daily death, yet shines a noticeable spotlight on it in a way so as to grab your attention. IOW makes you pay attention to something otherwise so common you rarely acknowledge it. (death)
going on memory alone, from decades ago no less, i only really remember the main themes sans most of the details. i just remember being hugely moved by it. i agree, haunting is just the right word. lots of irony too, but that's nothing special anymore since lots of presentations easily achieve irony.
there's just something about this one, i dunno
in recent years i began thinking about this movie more often; again, from memory only. i went online to find one and learned there were vhs copies only. the other day i found a dvd conversion for sale but now i am pondering if i want to revisit after 30 years have passed by. the version stuck in my mind is so strong maybe rewatching it will dull that? i just dunno.
btw for anyone who enjoyed this movie, please allow me to offer you another title you may enjoy: BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
i also recommend, on similar themes: RABBIT PROOF FENCE and THE ITALIAN
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"Where... can I put my ash?"
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