12 Australian Films You Must See Before You Die
9. Picnic At Hanging Rock
A very different film here and most definitely the most arthouse on the list. This was Peter Weir's sixth film he directed and remains the most aesthetically daring and mood inducing pick of his career. The whole thing plays out like an ethereal nightmare with the innocence of the early 20th century juxtaposed with the ominous unseen threat lurking around them.
This 1975 film is based on a 1967 novel of the same name, exploring the mysterious disappearance of three students while on a school excursion. The events were mistaken by many as being based on true events, and like The Blair Witch Project, the film works best under this illusion. The audience investment with each of the characters hurts that little bit more knowing they won't all survive, and believing it did actually happen adds more emotional impact.
While not for everyone's tastes, this is still a film worth a watch as much for the beautiful cinematography. The actual Hanging Rock isn't one of the most spectacular sites to see, so the way Weir and his crew bring the rock 'to life' is quite remarkable.