The Daily Dig: Fair Game (1986)

Australia’s version of “The Final Girl” is more badass than ours, but she’s still subject to the same tropes and traps.

Game hunters and a woman who runs an animal sanctuary clash violently in the outback of Australia. Let’s dig into 1986’s FAIR GAME, directed by Mario Andreacchio!

As I See It

It is no wonder that Quentin Tarantino labels Fair Game “An absolute classic” of Ozploitation. QT seems to have a super soft spot for Australian thrillers and has often voiced his love for director Brian Trenchard-Smith. It’s not surprising that this film speaks to him, as revenge films are kind of his forte.

There were times throughout the finale when I found myself irked by Jessica’s decisions as she tussled endlessly with three hunters whom she is ideologically opposed to and hellbent on thwarting. I couldn’t understand why we were going through the altercation over and over, and still, Jessica wasn’t really arming herself. Grab a gun! Grab a shovel! Grab anything!

The payoff of her success without anything more than what planks or pieces of steel are lying about around her (and a little bit of MacGuyver, trap action) was well worth it.

The strength of her character is what this film is about for me. It’s the fun part. Even when she seems pathetic in her first feeble attempt to come back at the three villains, she comes right back without so much as wiping the sweat from her brow.

The film doesn’t get weighed down with some grand message or commentary. It just IS, and that is what makes it so watchable.

Famous Faces

Cassandra Delaney had a bit part in another Australian film which starred eighties American heartthrob Matt Dillon, called Rebel which was about a US Marine running from World War II in Australia.

Of Gratuitous Nature

Cutting off Jessica’s clothes once she’s mounted like a hood ornament on the beast probably wasn’t necessary, but it sure steps up the malice of her attackers.

Heartthrob

Cassandra Delaney (Jessica) worked her ass off prepping for this role, and it shows. Reportedly there was no nudity called for in the film, but if you’re in that good of shape, I suppose you don’t mind showing off the fruits of your labor.

She’s got a bit of a dual Linda Hamilton thing going on. She’s as soft as the Terminator Sarah Connor but has the grit of the more androgynous, ass-kicking, fatalistic Sarah Connor of T2.

Ripe for a Remake

I can’t place why, but there is a sanctity I apply to Ozploitation films that seems un-fuckwithable.

Spawns

No progeny to report.

Where to Watch

Umbrella Entertainment released a Blu-Ray with a decent amount of behind-the-scenes footage, but it is currently sold out on their site. You can stream it on Tubi.