Picnic at Hanging Rock (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

The reason I only just got round to watching this incredible film is after watching the 'Discovering Directors' on Sky Arts recently. I have always loved Peter Weirs films and this film was mentioned during the programme although I had never heard of it until then.I ordered it just going off what was mentioned on the programme and I am so glad I did as I have watched it a further three times since.Telling the story of a group of young Australian girls living in a Manor House school in Victoria 1900. On St Valentines Day they go on a picnic to the infamous Hanging Rock. During the picnic, four members of the party journey to the rock and just disappear without trace including one of the teachers. A hunt for them ensues but to no avail until one of the male locals (played by a very young John (Wolf Creek) Jarret) finds one of the girls near death on the rocks. She is returned to the Manor but has no recollection of what happened and is rejected by the other girls because of it. As well as the ‘missing’ part of the story, the film also revolves around the films best character, Sara. She has obviously been at the end of abuse during her time spent in orphanages over the years but has found solace in the Manor. But when her guardian has not kept up payments to keep her at the Manor, she is told by the head mistress she will be sent back to the Orphanage. In the films saddest scene towards the end, Sara commits suicide by throwing herself out of a top floor window. On hearing this and in the films closing scenes, we are told that the headmistress also is found dead near Hanging Rock.Although the above sounds quite morbid, it is the mystery of the disappearance of the girls which is most fascinating. Were they abducted, did they escape to start a new life or did the rocks take them to another place or world?? This is never explained and the audience is left to make its own mind up. Apparently based on a true story of sorts where at Hanging Rock in the late 1800’s, some girls did disappear but were found dead a few miles away some days later. I understand this was the basis of the story for the film?? The film excels though in the feeling of ‘unease’ which makes it even more special.The cast is superb and LONG before Me Too came to the fore, this film is pretty much all about female characters. Rachel Roberts is a towering character playing Mrs Appleyard the headmistress of the school, and most of the girls also get to play their part, especially Sarah played by Margaret Nelson.The cinematography is excellent and looks superb on blu ray. Long before Peter Weir was using the music of Jean Michel Jarre and Vangelis in his movies, he pretty much nailed his love of music in this film which like myself, a lot of fans seem to just adore. As well as a few classical pieces, the now infamous pan pipe player Gheorghe Zamfir provides the best part of the score and he also would become synonymous with soundtracks later on with films such as The Karate Kid, Once Upon A Time In America and Kill Bill. Not sure why Peter Weir decided that pan pipes would fit the film but it really is the icing on the cake and suits it perfectly. I suppose the same could be said for Hans Zimmers score for Rain Man. As with a handful of brilliant movies like this one, the movies soundtrack has never been released so we have to make do with what’s on Youtube and the like. What a shame.On a personal note, there is another reason for adoring this film and that was myself falling in love with the films main character Miranda played by a stunning Anne Louise Lambert. Its only ever happened three other times in movies with me. They were Kim Novak in Hitchcocks Vertigo, Jane Seymour in Somewhere in Time and Carrie Fisher in The Empire Strikes Back. Not only is the character of Miranda stunning, she is the one who seems to have a ‘link’ with Hanging Rock and makes her character so mysterious but in a good way. I’m glad over the years Anne Louise Lambert has done lots of interviews about this film over the years including going back to the films main two locations.Finally, there a lot of people upset over Peter Weirs directors cut of this film which is about 10 minutes shorter than the theatrical version. Now I am probably being biased here as I watched the directors cut first but I prefer the directors cut to the original. Only reason is that the majority of scenes cut involve a character called Michael who goes looking for the girls after they disappear and seems to be infatuated with Miranda after seeing her going to Hanging Rock. In the theatrical version, Michael ends up trying to get involved with Irma who is the girl who is found alive. I thought this tarnished his character no end (even though his character is a bit annoying) and I was glad Peter Weir took it out. All the deleted scenes are in a separate section so you are allowed to make you own mind up whether it was the right decision or not to take them out. Only deleted scene I thought he should have kept in is where one of the girls breaks down in tears at a church service. There is also an infamous deleted/lost ending on Youtube where we get to find out what happened to Rachel Roberts head mistress Mrs Appleyard. There is also a feature length documentary about the film which covers all aspects of production, interviews with pretty much all involved and is fascinating to watch.So, I loved this film so much, I went and ordered an original UK quad poster for the film from 1975. I will also order the Criterion blu ray edition of the film as well which includes more extras, booklet and a reprint of the original novel by the late Joan Lindsay.I can’t recommend this film enough and after thinking that Peter Weir could never top Gallipoli as his best film, he has done so with Picnic At Hanging Rock. I just can’t believe I have only just got round to watching it.

There's a certain poetry to this very well made film. There is also a 'Walkabout' feel to the outdoor scenes where the main story takes place. But, anyone, wanting action, plot twists should give it a miss. I also have to say that the pan music, the sonic sounds used to enhance the more dramatic moments, and the need of late 60s / 70s magic realism editing to enhance the basic storyboarding all date the film.However, if you want a well paced film that has a rhythm of its own and that will keep you interested without the need for gimmicks or special effects to tell it's story then 'Picnic At Hanging Rock' with it's subtle unhinged ambience is the night in film for you.