The Last Wave (Peter Weir, 1977, Australia)

David though his practice as an attorney stumbles across a world of mysteries and prophecies leading to catastrophic events.

Last Wave is a detective story of apovalyptic proportions. Like all of Peter Weir´s films this ine defies the simple definitions of reality. Weir got the idea when he asked hemself; “What if someone with a very pragmatic approach ti life experienced a premonition?”. The film grapples with the dilemma of the native black race ruled by immigrant whites who at their own risk ignore the aboriginals spiritual identity. It is visulally stunning all the way an the acting superb from Chamberlain´s febriel intencity of confusion to the intractable and calm tribal leader Charlie. Though the film touches many political and spiritual themes it refuses to solve these issues.

Peter Weir is one of the directors tha gave birth to the so called “australian new cinema, others to be film-makers such as Fred Schepisi and Bruce Beresford . Peter´s narrative signature is the mans struggle agaisnt his own made destiny and civilization as can be seen Picnic at Hanging Rock, Witness, The Mosquito Coast and The Truman Show.