Wake in Fright is a brilliant book by Kenneth Cook that I can probably best describe as an Australian version of The Outsider by Albert Camus. It's the story of an educated, urban man and how he reacts as his civilised veneer is gradually worn away by the harsh frontier of the Australian Outback.
After loving the book, I discovered that there was a little known film that was almost impossible to get hold of until the enlightened folks at Eureka! put together this re-release.
The film is a surprisingly faithful adaptation of the book and the settings are amazingly accurate. The casting is superb aswell and includes a scene-stealing turn from the late great Donald Pleasance. Nobody can portray nihilistic forebearance in response to an uncaring universe as well as he can.
Made in 1970, the film is credited with kickstarting a renaissance in Australian cinema. It still feels fresh and challenging today and includes an unflinching portrayal of some of the savagery the director saw, particularly in one scene that incorporates actual footage of the wanton slaughter of kangaroos. This footage was used with the express permission of animal rights groups who wanted people to see what happens.
Ted Kotcheff also directed First Blood and it's interesting to see how the theme of civilised versus savage man is revisited in that movie, another one I happen to love.