The Daily Dig: Dark Age (1987)

More than just a monster movie, “Dark Age” is a great example of horror with intention and heart. Come for the Croc, stay for the art.

A mythical, massive crocodile is hunted after it builds a body count. Let’s dig into 1987’s DARK AGE, directed by Arch Nicholson!

As I See It

This is a feat of filmmaking. Crane shots in the backwaters. Night shots. It’s rather amazing how much expertise is on display.

A rights issue (the holder of which had gone out of business) prevented this film from receiving a proper release in its native Australia. Still, in 2009 Quentin Tarantino hosted a screening in Sydney with his own 35mm print, and Umbrella Entertainment released it on DVD in 2011 (and subsequently on Blu-Ray in 2017).

There are many comparisons to Spielberg’s Jaws throughout the web, but besides a few mirrored shots (the Brody beach scene/child Aboriginal in the water and the failed night hunt), and the fact that the monster is a naturally occurring, yet hyperbolic beast, I don’t see them as one and the same.

Don’t get me wrong, Jaws is a master class in storytelling despite the technical issues that haunted the production. The difference for me is that Jaws is man vs beast, while Dark Age is man vs Gaia. Though it evokes some of the same acumen displayed in Jim Corbett’s tales of leopard and tiger hunts, it also focuses on conservation, much like Corbett’s later years and legacy.

In horror terms: by the end, you’re happy the croc bit the bad guy’s arm off.

Not many people have been more of a champion of Australian genre film than Quentin Tarantino, and it’s easy to see why he gushes with cinematic devotion; the films are really good.

Specifically, this film excels at establishing the lore without confusing the audience. Forgive my ignorance in not knowing how true to life the story of Numunwari is (as far as Aboriginal myth goes), but if it’s contrived, it doesn’t feel so. It’s as genuine as American apple pie.

Yes, I will concede that the way the croc moves on land is hokey. Who cares? At that point, you’re so invested in the message that it won’t force you to turn the film off.

A brilliant performance by Burnham Burnham (Oondabund) is finished with a flourish and metaphysical truism: “We’re born, we die, the spirit lives,” and so does Australian cinema, and the croc!

Famous Faces

John Jarratt (Steve Harris) plays serial killer Mick Taylor in the Wolf Creek films, which helped expose Ozploitation films to a new generation with great success. Doubling down on his love for this film and Australian filmmakers in general, Quentin Tarantino would also cast him in a small role in Django Unchained.

Max Phipps (John Besser) played The Toadie, Lord Humungus’s herald in Mad Max 2 – The Road Warrior.

I recognized David Gulpilil (Adjaral) right away from his role as Neville in Crocodile Dundee which besides the films of Yahoo Serious (I can’t tell you how many times I watched Young Einstein and Reckless Kelly) was my only exposure to Australian cinema as a young, Spooky Kid.

Of Gratuitous Nature

Although brief, the love scene between Steve and Cathy is filled with passion and integral to their tumultuous on-screen relationship.

Heartthrob

Nikki Coghill (Cathy) is a head turner. She embodies the thoughtful, intelligent character that she portrays with ease.

Ripe for a Remake

Leave it be. Show it to your friends.

Spawns

No progeny to report.

Where to Watch

Umbrella Entertainment released a Blu-ray in 2017. It’s not currently available for streaming outside of YouTube.