The Snowtown Murders

IFC Midnight | Release Date: March 2, 2012

7.0	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 25 Ratings

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foxgroveDec 15, 2012

Snowtown is one of those films that is extremely difficult to watch. However,although some of the imagery is very unpleasant it isn't as overly graphic as it could have been. The tone of the film is the unsettling presence. Aided by starkSnowtown is one of those films that is extremely difficult to watch. However,although some of the imagery is very unpleasant it isn't as overly graphic as it could have been. The tone of the film is the unsettling presence. Aided by stark cinematography and matter of fact editing, director Justin Kurzel could not have done a better job in setting the scene. Adapted from real events that are depicted in two books, one of which 'The Bodies in the Barrels Murders' I have read, the visuals here are actually nowhere near as graphic as the prose. Daniel Henshall is a terrifying presence and gives an all too believable performance as the unflinchingly sadistic John Bunting whose all encompassing control is fatal. Whilst I do feel that this is a very important film, and there is no denying its power and effect, I have to say that it is not one that I will ever watch again. Every minute of the running time I felt trepidation and stress about what was to come. Having read the book and the reviews for the film I knew my unease was not unfounded. A film to admire and respect enormously, but no one can say this enjoyable. Good yes, but enjoyable never.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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thejoker_5Aug 21, 2012

Beautifully done. Really makes you feel like you were there, even though I live in USA. On the same par as the movie "Michael." Just wow! But not for the faint of heart (as a previous poster mentioned). If you have an interest in twistedBeautifully done. Really makes you feel like you were there, even though I live in USA. On the same par as the movie "Michael." Just wow! But not for the faint of heart (as a previous poster mentioned). If you have an interest in twisted (at least somewhat true) stories, then this is for you! Well acted. My only con is that I feel like I need to Wiki this story to find out the actual details, not that the movie deviated from them, just so I know how it went down according to Aussie historical accounts....BRAVO!… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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hoops2448Mar 5, 2012

Before I start I must warn anyone thinking of watching Snowtown that it is a visually/ mentally distressing film with disturbing imagery and a horrifying plot. When I viewed it in a room of 30 people or so, the room was down to 15-20 by theBefore I start I must warn anyone thinking of watching Snowtown that it is a visually/ mentally distressing film with disturbing imagery and a horrifying plot. When I viewed it in a room of 30 people or so, the room was down to 15-20 by the end of the film because of the films content. Not only is it not for the faint of heart, it's not for those with a strong heart. Even if you can watch the worst horror films without even as much as a gasp, trust me, you still aren't prepared for Snowtown. That being said Snowtown is a beautifully directed, true story based around Australian serial killer John Bunting (Daniel Henshall) and his systematic corruption of a teenager (Lucas Pittaway) into his gang of murderers. The story is dark but wonderfully written with every character being brilliantly thought out and drawn thanks to a great script by Shaun Grant. The most shocking part of Snowtown is the fact it never for a moment feels like a movie. It feels like you are following real people from Pittaway's Jamie, a lighthearted youngster dragged into John's hateful business thanks to manipulation by his mother Elizabeth (Louise Harris), his brother and John, his mother's new boyfriend. Daniel Henshall gives the performance of a lifetime as Bunting bringing to life a despicable character who not only affected a family but a whole community. Snowtown ensures a feel of unease for the entire run by setting up characters only to turn them on his head with John entering as a kind protector but gradually revealing the darkness within. The film makes sure not to make its characters come across as sociopathic, in fact, it emphasises the characters plethora of feelings and emotions. For instance in one scene John witnesses someone else carry out his kill and the look of shock and joy on his face is truly terrifying. The absolute delight displaces any idea that these characters are mentally ill. As Jamie falls deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole, Johnâ… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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nutterjrMay 23, 2013

A disturbing depiction of Australia's most notorious killer brilliantly portrayed by Daniel Henshall. On the surface he seems friendly, with his calm approach and his seemingly genuine smile on his face. But don't be fooled; he is the faceA disturbing depiction of Australia's most notorious killer brilliantly portrayed by Daniel Henshall. On the surface he seems friendly, with his calm approach and his seemingly genuine smile on his face. But don't be fooled; he is the face of evil. The soundtrack is eerie and adds and extra chill factor to this artfully directed film.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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shellviewFeb 23, 2013

Very well done docudrama about an Australian serial killer. This reminds me of "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer" both well done movies about disturbing murders. The acting is excellent as is the soundtrack. The movie's tension slowlyVery well done docudrama about an Australian serial killer. This reminds me of "Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer" both well done movies about disturbing murders. The acting is excellent as is the soundtrack. The movie's tension slowly builds to the final scenes which are heart pounding. The major shortcoming, besides needing the close captioning, was the difficulty in understanding who was who.I agree with thejoker_5, I too had to research online to understand the relationships of the characters to each other. All in all a very good movie for those not prone to nightmares, NR for a reason.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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Nesbitt10Jun 25, 2013

Justin Kruzel's remarkable feature debut takes a visceral look at the true story of Australia's worst serial killer, and what the media has dubbed, "the bodies in the barrels" murders. What it reveals is truly horrifying, and equally howJustin Kruzel's remarkable feature debut takes a visceral look at the true story of Australia's worst serial killer, and what the media has dubbed, "the bodies in the barrels" murders. What it reveals is truly horrifying, and equally how mundane it is to those involved. Kurzel's film will haunt and disturb you long after it's over and given the subject matter, maybe that's how it should be.

The film follows Elizabeth Harvey (Louise Harris), a mother raising her three boys in a housing trust home in Adelaide's northern suburbs. After her latest boyfriend displays pedophilic tendencies, she takes up with a new man, hoping for security--but instead welcomes an even more vicious predator into her home. John Bunting (Daniel Henshall) appears at the kitchen table one morning, and seemingly assigns himself the role of father in the family. He starts preparing meals, instilling values, and presenting on the surface a fine father figure for the three boys.

John's friendly demeanor hides a coldness that is unfathomable. It slowly reveals itself at impromptu "neighborhood watch" meetings at the dinner table, where John holds court and proselytizes about the other supposed molesters, perverts, and undesirables in the town. It becomes clear that he wants to rid the village of the people he views as objectionable, and he doesn't find much argument from his neighbors. Soon, talk turns to action. Some neighbors turn a blind eye to his actions, or even go as far as to assist in the crimes themselves. Jamie's involvement goes even further, and turning to the police is never really an option for anyone.

Bunting enlists his crew in acts of sadistic vigilantism on those he considers deviants, and in the process takes Elizabeth's son Jamie (Lucas Pittaway), under his wing. "The Snowtown Murders" is an uncompromising film, which focuses on the relationship between vulnerable teenager and a father figure--who is revealed to be the worst kind of monster. It is the 'relationship' between John and Jaime that is the centerpiece of "The Snowtown Murders"-- the mentor-protégé pairing is in a helpless way, inevitable, because of how easily John manipulates others. Abused and neglected for so long, Jaime can't help but be swayed by anything resembling a father figure, and John's overtures of trying to "toughen up" the boy are a transparent ruse to mold him into an accomplice and disciple.

The combination of Adam Arkapaw's voyeuristic cinematography, the decision to shoot the film in the actual "Snowtown," and a cast of almost entirely non-professional actors, allows the film a unique ability to convey such a devastating, and yet convincing reality. The film generates most of its tension from the uneasiness from its placement of viewpoint, and in terms of violence, what to show, and what to cut away from. "The Snowtown Murders" is distressing and highly disturbing, one of the more difficult films to watch about psychopaths. There are very difficult scenes to sit through. There is no way to understand John Bunting. He is quite simply evil.… Expand

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