The Proposition is a 2005 movie directed by John Hillcoat and written by musician Nick Cave. It stars Guy Pearce, Ray Winstone, Emily Watson, John Hurt and Danny Huston. The film’s production completed in 2004, and was followed by a wide 2005 release in Australia and a 2006 theatrical run in the U.S. through First Look Pictures. The movie was Rated R by the MPAA for strong grisly violence and for language.
Soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack, titled The Proposition, was released shortly after the film in October 2005. The music was composed and performed by Nick Cave and violinist Warren Ellis.
Critical response
The Proposition has received largely positive reviews from professional film critics, earning an 86% “Certified Fresh” rating at Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Ebert, AM New York, Austin Chronicle and Entertainment Insider gave the film 4/4 stars.
The Proposition and indigenous culture
Two acclaimed Indigenous Australian actors (David Gulpilil and Tom E. Lewis) have supporting roles in the film.
As noted in behind-the-scenes features included on The Proposition DVD, the film is regarded as uncommonly accurate in depicting indigenous Australian culture of the late 1800s, and when filming in the outback, the cast and crew took great pains to follow the advice of indigenous consultants. In an interview included on the DVD, Lewis even compares the depiction of indigenous cultures in The Proposition to the landmark film The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith (1978). In addition, there is a warning before the film which states that it contains photographs of deceased Indigenous Australians, which is a taboo in their culture.
Cast
- Guy Pearce as Charlie Burns
- Ray Winstone as Captain Morris Stanley
- Emily Watson as Martha Stanley
- Danny Huston as Arthur Burns
- David Wenham as Eden Fletcher
- Richard Wilson as Mike Burns
- John Hurt as Jellon Lamb
- Tom E. Lewis as Two Bob
- Leah Purcell as Queenie
- Tom Budge as Samuel Stoat
- David Gulpillil as Jacko
- Noah Taylor as Brian O’Leary
