After the cascade of critically acclaimed cinema that 2020 has graced us with so far, I thought that surely another couldn’t be up to par (queen of rhymes, much). With the recent ghosts of Parasite and 1917 looming over the screen, this was my exact thought… but alas! To my surprise, The True History of the Kelly Gang exceeded all my (quite naive) expectations.
The story follows the unhinged, toilsome life of Australian bushranger, Ned Kelly (played by George MacKay), and his band of misfits in the late 19th century outback. Based on the infamous legend (known to most although admittedly not myself prior to viewing), director Justin Kurzel takes much creative liberty in presenting a chaotic dramatisation of events. From chopping off an ill-fated officer’s ear and Nicholas Hoult’s unnerving sexual condescension to the stroboscopic shootouts with faceless enemies, this film is not a light watch. But, it’s a highly captivating and stimulating one; and it is this ability to manifest multi-dimensional and sometimes conflicting emotions in the audience that warrants its success. Ned Kelly is the anti hero – regardless of his heinous crimes, you root for him in the film’s entirety.
As a period drama, Kurzel presents the bleak life of the family, with socioeconomic, gender and overall power struggles at intersection under the dark shadow of British colonial rule. What is most interesting, however, is the film’s subtle nods to homoeroticism that makes it wholly unique in its “historical” perspective. Such overtones are piqued in the protagonist’s reciprocity: an endearing tactile relationship with his best friend Joe (Sean Keenan); implicit sexual tension with constable Fitzpatrick (Nicholas Hoult), and the cross-dressing of his followers (big props to the costume department for these pieces) collectively build up a brilliantly queer narrative arc. This take on the story is both progressive yet implicit, with its gender-bending aspects standing independently of analogy with homosexuality (take note, Hollywood). In fact, it is this very facet of the gangs expression that buttresses their transgressive power as anti-establishment agents.
Reviewing this film simply cannot ignore the work of cinematographer Ari Wegner. As with her work in Lady Macbeth (2016), Wegner is a master of creating atmosphere through beautiful panoramic shots of the physical landscape. Reminders of the sublime wide shots of The Revenant (2015) arise from the trailing aerial shots of the bushrangers treading across damp forests and arid sands. The extreme precision of choice by Wegner is clear as this grandiosity is parallel to handheld framing and SnorriCam to underpin the pandemonium.
Alongside this, a daring use of lighting permeates the film at its most intense moments – notwithstanding the incredible strobing of the shootout scenes, the chaotic nighttime of the outback is often presented fragmentedly to invite us into Ned Kelly’s anarchic psyche. Overall, it is visual tour de force.
Admittedly, fresh off the 1917 buzz, I was looking to see what more MacKay could give… and boy can he give! Having completely transformed his physical stature for the role (as can be seen above), an outstanding bodily dedication is present alongside raw emotionality. His progression from the younger Orlando Schwerdt is also convincing as the young actor gives an especially chilling performance for his age. It goes without saying that Russell Crowe is great in everything, and even more so as the heavy bearded delinquent Harry Power. You quickly dislike Power, which is telling. Likewise, the oh-so-sweet Nicholas Hoult portrays a believable conniving and wicked authoritative figure. Further cameos from Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy, Pacific Rim) and Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit) are just as brilliant. Kurzel’s wife Essie Davis just keeps on giving as Ellen Kelly, in arguably the best performance of her career. The ensemble is a theatrical treat, in roles that push moral boundaries and entail multiple hardships, you can’t help but be impressed.
All in all, The True History of the Kelly Gang is made up in equal parts of anarchy, brutality and tragedy. It’s daring and extreme in all the senses – but invites you in along the way for an exhilarating cinematic experience.
[note: written prior to UK lockdown]
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