Snowtown is a dark, gripping tale of the notorious Australia serial killer John Bunting, set to hit our screens on November 18.
Airing at the 55th BFI London Film Festival, Snowtown is director Justin Kurzel and leading star Lucas Pittaway’s debut features, as they caught up with The Fan Carpet’s Stefan Pape to discuss the upcoming film.
Kurzel, who grew up near Snowtown, speaks about a story which is very close to home for him, whilst Pittaway, who plays the films protagonist Jamie, was first approached for the role when in a shopping centre – as he also discusses choosing cinema over the army.
Firstly, congratulation on what is a really enticing and gripping drama; you must be both be absolutely delighted with this as a finished product?
Justin Kurzel: I’m really proud of it, especially the performances in the film that have come from mostly first-timers and that we cast from the area so I’m really excited that we have been embraced not only in Australia where it did really well, but also with various audiences over the world at festivals so yeah we’re really excited by its release in Britain.
You’ve been touring the film at various festivals for a while now, how does it feel taking your film and showing it to various parts of the world?
Justin Kurzel: It’s exciting to see whether the story resonates with different cultures and countries and you know I just feel really proud that even though it’s a dark and brutal Australian story, the production of it is being embraced in many different areas, and people seem to be excited or compelled and interested in it or confronted in the same way wherever we go so its obviously got a universal appeal there in terms of the character and the story.
I find that Australian and British films have got a very similar gritty realism to them – what do you think it is about Snowtown that will make it a success over here in Britain?
Justin Kurzel: I think the British have a fascination and curiosity with Australia and Australian crime and I think that shows with the success of many other Australian films over here, but I do think both countries make very visceral films that are very unique and immersive and I think Snowtown has many similarities to some films that have been really embraced here, so hopefully it will catch on and find an audience.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
Snowtown Film Page | Snowtown Review
SNOWTOWN HITS CINEMAS ON NOVEMBER 18
