The Tracker (2002) is a powerful Australian drama written and directed by Rolf De Heer (Ten Canoes, Dingo). Set in the Australian outback in 1922, the film tells the story of a racist white policeman (Gary Sweet) and his half-willing posse, who have pressed an Aboriginal man (David Gulpilil) into service to hunt down the accused killer of a white woman.
Viewers readily empathize with the predicament of the Tracker, who must find the fugitive or jeopardize his own safety, even while it is clear that the accused is unlikely to be treated fairly if he is found and brought “to justice.” Indeed, the Tracker must watch helplessly during two incidents in which the posse brutalizes small groups of Aboriginals who have nothing to do with the crime in question. It’s a nice touch that scenes of brutality are illustrated, not by live footage, but through the stylized paintings of Peter Coad.
Despite his dire circumstances, the Tracker bides his time and pursues his own survival strategy, which is subtly conveyed through the film’s soundtrack, sung by Aboriginal artist Archie Roach, with lyrics written by De Heer. The subtitle of The Tracker is also the title of one of the film’s songs, “All Men Choose the Path They Walk.”
Called “a stunning piece of visual poetry” by one reviewer, the film was nominated for more than a score of international awards, and won more than a dozen of them, including four from the Film Critics Circle of Australia (FCCA): Best Actor (Gulpilil), Best Cinematography (Ian Jones), Best Film and Best Music Score. Though it was produced 10 years ago, The Tracker remains a riveting character study, revealing not only the cruelty and racism Australia’s Aboriginal population have endured, but also the deeply rooted assurance that derives from the Tracker’s profound knowledge of –and comfort in—his environment.
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