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Tracks (2013 film)

From Alfawiki
Tracks
Company typeFilm
IndustryFilm industry
Founded2013
FounderJohn Curran (director)
Key people
Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver, John Curran, Marion Nelson (screenwriter), Emile Sherman (producer), Iain Canning (producer), Antonia Barnard (co-producer), Julie Ryan (co-producer), Alexandre de Franceschi (editor), Garth Stevenson (composer)
ProductsFeature film

Tracks is a 2013 Australian drama film helmed by director John Curran, featuring performances from Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver. Adapted from the memoir of Robyn Davidson, the narrative follows her arduous nine-month journey trekking across the Australian desert with camels. The film debuted at the 70th Venice International Film Festival in 2013, was showcased at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, and served as the opening film for the 2013 Adelaide Film Festival. Additionally, it was presented at various international festivals including those in London, Vancouver, Telluride, Dubai, Sydney, Dublin, and Glasgow.

Summary

Set in 1977, the story centers on Robyn Davidson, an aspiring adventurer who moves to Alice Springs with the goal of crossing the Australian deserts to reach the Indian Ocean. She embarks on this expedition accompanied by her dog Diggity and four dromedary camels.

To support her journey financially, Robyn collaborates with local farmers to acquire skills in camel training. Through mutual acquaintances, she meets National Geographic photographer Rick Smolan and secures sponsorship from National Geographic in exchange for Rick documenting her travels. Despite this partnership, Robyn finds Rick’s presence increasingly intrusive, leading to a complex dynamic between them.

During the trek, Rick’s unauthorized photographing of a private indigenous ceremony threatens Robyn’s access to sacred territories where women must be guided. Following initial resistance from indigenous elders, they eventually consent to assist her. Robyn develops a strong connection with her guide, Mr. Eddy, inviting him to accompany her on an extended portion of the route and gifting him a rifle as a token of appreciation.

Tragedy ensues when Diggity is poisoned and Robyn is forced to euthanize him. As media attention escalates with reporters and Rick searching for her after she temporarily abandons the expedition, Rick assures her he will distract the press. Motivated by this promise, Robyn recommences and ultimately completes her journey, with only Rick’s camera capturing the final stages.

Cast

Production

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, there were several unsuccessful attempts to bring Davidson’s memoir to the screen, including a 1993 adaptation featuring Julia Roberts that never materialized. In May 2012, it was confirmed that Mia Wasikowska would lead in a John Curran-directed adaptation, with Adam Driver joining the cast by August. The screenplay was crafted by Marion Nelson based on Davidson’s original book.

Funding was secured from Screen Australia, the South Australian Film Corporation, Adelaide Film Festival, Deluxe Australia, and Screen NSW. With a production budget of US$12 million, principal photography commenced on 8 October 2012 across locations in South Australia and the Northern Territory. The production team included producers Emile Sherman and Iain Canning alongside co-producers Antonia Barnard and Julie Ryan. Editing was handled by Alexandre de Franceschi while Garth Stevenson composed the score.

Tracks became available on DVD and Blu-ray from 25 June 2014.

Critical response

Tracks was met with predominantly favorable critiques. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 82% approval rating derived from 129 reviews, with particular praise directed at its visual composition and Wasikowska's acting. Metacritic assigns the film a score of 78 out of 100 based on 34 reviews, reflecting generally positive feedback.

Film critic Leonard Maltin awarded the movie 3.5 out of 4 stars, mentioning it as the final film featured in the concluding edition of Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide. The publication Word and Film recognized it as 2014's top film adaptation, while Sydney Arts Guide honored Marion Nelson with the Best Adapted Screenplay award that same year.

Mandy Walker, the film's cinematographer, received Best Cinematography accolades for Tracks from both the Australian Cinematographers Society and the Film Critics Circle of Australia in 2014.

Box office

The North American theatrical release of Tracks was limited, debuting in only four cinemas and earning $21,544, which equates to an average of $5,386 per location and a ranking of #62. The film’s widest distribution reached 67 theaters, ultimately generating $510,007 domestically alongside $4,368,235 internationally, culminating in a total gross of $5,853,509.

Accolades

Award Category Recipient Outcome
AACTA Awards
(4th) 		Best Film Iain Canning Template:Nom
Emile Sherman Template:Nom
Best Actress Mia Wasikowska Template:Nom
Best Cinematography Mandy Walker Template:Nom
Best Costume Design Mariot Kerr Template:Nom
Australian Film Critics Association
(17th) 		Best Film Iain Canning Template:Nom
Emile Sherman Template:Nom
Best Actress Mia Wasikowska Template:Nom
Best Cinematography Mandy Walker Template:Nom
Asia Pacific Screen Awards
(7th) 		Achievement in Cinematography

Template:Nom

Dublin Film Critics' Circle
(2013) 		Best Actress Mia Wasikowska Template:Nom
Gotham Awards
(2013) 		Best Actress Mia Wasikowska Template:Nom
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards
(19th) 		Best Actress Mia Wasikowska Template:Nom
Venice Film Festival
(70th) 		Golden Lion John Curran Template:Nom


External links

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