West Australian story Jasper Jones, makes leap from page to screen

01 Mar 2017

By The Record

Jasper Jones, (Aaron Mcgrath), Charlie (Levi Miller) and Eliza (Angourie Rice) set off to solve a murder mystery in the gripping yet moving Jasper Jones. Photo: Supplied

By Daniele Foti-Cuzzola

Fremantle author Craig Silvey’s novel, Jasper Jones has amassed quite a following since its 2009 release.

Commonly described as an Australian version of To Kill a Mockingbird, the coming of age novel was added to the Australian curriculum due to its thought-provoking analysis on issues of racial inequality and corruption within a West Australian country town.

Now almost a decade later, acclaimed director Rachel Perkins (Bran Nue Dae) brings the beloved story to screen in a grim, yet moving adaptation that will resonate with long-time fans and even those that aren’t familiar with the novel.

Set in the mining town of Corrigin in Western Australia in the 1960s, bookworm Charlie Bucktin’s (Levi Miller) simple life is turned upside down when he receives an unexpected visit from the town’s outcast Jasper Jones (Aaron McGrath).

Jasper is shunned by the townspeople because of his mixed White-Aboriginal heritage and rebellious lifestyle and needs Charlie’s help to find out who killed his childhood sweetheart, Laura, before he is framed for her murder.

Charlie’s life gets further complicated when he becomes besotted with Laura’s younger sister, Eliza and begins to notice that his seemingly harmless country town is not as idyllic as he once thought.

Perkins has enlisted a phenomenal all-star cast to give the interesting array of characters the three-dimensional depth that made them so memorable in the book.

Miller brings plenty of wide-eyed innocence to the role of Charlie and perfectly showcases his loss of innocence as he uncovers his neighbours’ dark secrets.

Kevin Long, who plays Charlie’s Vietnamese best friend, Jeffrey, provides some much needed comic relief throughout the film and Hugo Weaving is menacing as Mad Jack Lionel. But it is Emmy winner Toni Collette who steals the show with a heartbreaking performance as Charlie’s irresponsible mother, who in the hands of a less capable actress would come across as completely unlikable.

Rounding out the talented cast is Dan Wyllie, Aaron McGrath and 16 year old Perth actress, Angourie Rice.

The film’s high production values also gives viewers a rare chance to see the beauty of WA’s Southwest region on the big screen.

The use of sweeping camera shots and stunning cinematography truly highlight our state’s natural beauty.

While the film is beautifully crafted, it is not without its issues and the main problems with the film lie within the story itself.

The screenplay leaves many questions unanswered, with the most pressing being why the rebellious Jasper Jones would enlist the help of a timid boy like Charlie.

The narrative is also very similar to Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, whereby the response to a town crime is used as a plot device to awaken a child’s perspective on the society with which they live in.

Despite its shortcomings, Jasper Jones is a terrific film that gives viewers an insight into the prejudices in Australia within the 1960s, not only towards indigenous Australians but also towards migrant families.

The subplot of the racism inflicted on Jeffrey and his Vietnamese family is movingly portrayed and is a painful reminder of our nation’s dark past.

Jasper Jones is not light viewing and is not for the faint-hearted. The dark subject matter and plot twists are distressing and confronting and the ending will leave you reeling.

But the film poignantly points out the importance of courage in difficult times and that even in our darkest moments the unlikeliest of friendships and bonds can be formed.

 

Jasper Jones is rated M for Mature themes and coarse language. It is not recommended for children under 15 years.

Thanks to Anarchy PR we are giving away double in-season passes to see Jasper Jones. For your chance to win tell us in 25 words or less who your favourite literary icon is. Email your answer, full name and postal address to competitions@therecord.com.au