The Hunter

About The Hunter

'The Hunter' is a 2012 adventure drama film that was directed by Daniel Nettheim and written by Alice Addison. The film adapts Julia Leigh's 1999 novel of the same name, which follows a mercenary sent from Europe by a mysterious biotech company to the Tasmanian wilderness on a dramatic hunt for the last Tasmanian tiger.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Porchlight Film and Screen Australia, with cinematography by Robert Humphreys and editing by Roland Gallois. It was primarily filmed in Tasmania, Australia, with the stunning and unique wilderness serving as a perfect backdrop for the film's intense and dramatic plot.

Actors

• Willem Dafoe - Playing the role of 'Martin David', Willem Dafoe's exemplary acting provides the film's protagonist with a subtle, engaging, and complex character arc.
• Frances O'Connor - The role of 'Lucy Armstrong', a grieving mother of two, was superbly played by Frances, infusing the character with emotional depth and vulnerability.
• Sam Neill - Neill's thoughtful portrayal of 'Jack Mindy' provides a subtle antagonist, whose motives remain complex and human.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The last known Tasmanian tiger died in captivity in 1936.
• Willem Dafoe performed most of his own stunts during the filming of the movie.
• The film was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2011 before its wide release in 2012.

Awards

The film received many award nominations, notably for the @film Critics Circle of Australia Awards, the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards, and the Inside Film (IF) Awards. Willem Dafoe was honored with a Best Actor nomination at the AACTA Awards for his exceptional performance in the film.

Quotes

• "They say when you're dying, you see a bright light. Here, you just see a flash, and then nothing." - Martin David.
• "We used to have a joke, you know. How can you tell the difference between a fairy tale and a bush tale? The fairy tale starts with, 'Once upon a time.' The bush tale starts with, 'Bull---t, this is true.'" - Jack Mindy.

Music, Soundtrack

• A perfectly haunting and atmospheric score composed by Matteo Zingales, Michael Lira, and Andrew Lancaster.
• "Journey to the Cave" - A standout eerie and suspenseful track that underscores the film's tension.
• "The Hunter" - The main theme perfectly encapsulates the film's melancholic tone and Martin's lonely quest.