The Quiet Earth
by Geoff Murphy
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Alison Routledge, Anzac Wallace, Bruno Lawrence, Norman Fletcher, Pete Smith (III)Director: Geoff Murphy
Brand: LAWRENCE,BRUNO
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 91 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-06-13
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Movie Reviews of The Quiet Earth
Movie Review: Are you man enough for a "Quiet" Earth?
Summary: 5 Stars
When one thinks of New Zealand film making, one probably assumes that it was Peter Jackson that put them on the map - that he could be the only filmmaker out of that region. Alas, one should realize that New Zealand has been releasing films for many years, and have even put their stamp on American cinema as well. I recently had the opportunity to watch a little film that probably wouldn't attract too much attention today, but in 1985the rumor is that it was the second highest grossing foreign film in our country. One can only applaud New Zealand for their creative effort, and for me, I will be applauding them for more. "The Quiet Earth" was a fresh slice of science fiction delight. It was a unique premise, based of a bestselling New Zealand book, that has seen several transformations in American cinema throughout the years. Most recently I witnessed a mediocre adaptation in the film "The Last Man", but must express my excitement more towards this film due in part to the ability to grow the characters, the attention to detail, and expressionism of the unknown. "The Quiet Earth" is one of those films that interweave religion, science, and human existence together so well that it will leave you lapping for more by the end.
To be brief, "The Quiet Earth" poses the question of what emotions one would feel if discovered they were the last man on the planet. Would it be the hypothetical "kid in the candy shop" experience, or be driven to the brink of madness due to boredom, or would one invest time in ones self - rediscovering why, who, and how the world transformed into the desolate Earth it became? All great questions that are explored greatly by director Geoff Murphy and demonstrated through the ingenious acting abilities of one Bruno Lawrence. It would be tough to handle the first act of a film solo, using no language outside of the sheer insanity of being alone, he gracefully pulls it of with ease. In fact, it was the beginning act of this film that immediately grabbed me. I could watch Zac (Bruno) over and over again as he engulfs himself in his new environment. Just as we think we are about to loose him, others are brought into the picture, not as confusion, but as a moment of hope and inspiration. While they seem threatening, Zac learns what he must do to ensure that they survive to rebirth the Earth - leaving us with an ending that makes us glad to have such a thought provoking genre.
I do not want to use this as a platform to compare and contrast this miraculous film and that of "The Last Man", though it was through the latter film that I was introduced to this one. They are two separate films, and I will leave it as that. "The Quiet Earth" will evoke laughter, tears, and at times, the genuine scare tactic to bring about the story. Director Murphy does what I thought only Danny Boyle could have done in "28 Days Later" with empty streets, unpopulated towns, and streets as urban mazes. While the tricks are simple, the effect is tremendous. Again, I cannot state the Bruno Lawrence is amazing, both alone as well as his interaction with the others as they arrive. Instead of focusing on lust, insecurity, and neediness, he continues with his research to find a cure for the effect that he, or his team, may have brought to the world. The concept of death playing a big part of their existence now is mind-challenging. It really places a different perspective on "where" these survivors really are. Is it the Earth that they once knew, or some parallel universe as seen in "Sliders"? Then, just as you think you know the answer, Murphy throws in the final moments of the film and any guesses that you may have are out.
The cinematography, besides what I said above, is amazing. It really captures the film, and for the 80s budget pre-CGI, I have to applaud this team. While listening to the commentary, the effects were done with no budget, but with imagination - something you find lacking when computers become too much of a staple to the film (ie see the newer "Star Wars" films). The acting, as already said, is 1980s acting. Sometimes wooden, sometimes stagnet, but overall exactly what I wanted from this film. It fit the tone and low-budget-y of the film, but it was perfect. This is what I miss from films that were released in the 80s. Sure, they didn't have the money, but they were creative and imaginative - a crucial feature I miss in today's cinema.
Overall, I must admit, that this is a film that will definitely be added to my collection. It is one that I can watch time and time again, continually questioning the facts, the unknowns, and the opportunities. Don't be afraid of 80s foreign films - they may surprise you ... greatly!
What if you were the last person on Earth, with an endless supply of everything, what would you do?
Grade: ***** out of *****
Summary of The Quiet Earth
A research scientists awakens to find the world has been destroyed and he soon learns he is not the sole survivor.Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: R
Release Date: 3-SEP-2007
Media Type: DVD
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