Rent Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)

A Mystery wrapped around an Enigma - Picnic at Hanging Rock review by CP Customer

Peter Weir 'Picnic on Hanging Rock' is one of the most hypnotic and haunting films ever to come from Australia.

It concerns the vanishes of three girls during an afternoons picnic and the people who become obsessed by the incident.

The film is tense and really gets under your skin. I loved the music that created a tangible atmosphere, accompanied by sublime visuals that pulled me into the story.

When the credits rolled I was felt thoroughly satisfied. Though to be warned it's not a hollywood film so don't expect ever question to be left answered - but this added to the enjoyment.

A Mystery Drama, Beautiful, Enigmatic and Very Original - Picnic at Hanging Rock review by GI

This mystery drama with subtle hints of horror and a surreal and mystical vibe has garnered much admiration over the years despite a controversial ending. It remains a key Australian film and one that hooks you and keeps you attentive despite its quite languid narrative. The opening screen information strongly suggests the film is based on real events when, in fact, it's an adaptation of a novel and completely fictional and even knowing this the plot arc leaves you with an unsettled feeling that this may have actually happened. Part of the reason for that is the film asks more questions than it answers and it captures that aura of strange magic that oozes from the land and in particular the 'hanging rock' of the title. It's also an immensely beautiful film both visually and sensually, with a never revealed sexual tension running through it. The story is set in 1900 at a prestigious girls preparatory school. One valentines day a group of the girls are allowed to go on a picnic into the bush at Hanging Rock accompanied by two of their teachers. When three of the girls and a teacher mysteriously disappear no trace of them can be found despite a large scale search. The effects of the mystery has an effect on the owner and head teacher, Miss Appleyard (Rachel Roberts), the other girls and teachers and a local man (Dominic Guard) who is determined to find the missing party. The sensual beauty and enigmatic atmosphere of the film are enhanced by the beautiful soundtrack and the soft focus cinematography. This is rather a clever and mystifying film that is worth viewing a few times to try and unravel the imagery and riddles that the narrative sets for the viewer. It's unusual but a delight.

46 years on... - Picnic at Hanging Rock review by TE

Despite having one of the great film titles (taken from the earlier novel) 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' has not really stood the test of time (at least not for me).

It's sense of mystery is heavily diluted by the affected, highly stylised way that the young women talk to each other. The undertones of repressed sexuality are there, but everything is done with a heavy touch and the core enigma feels plain lifeless and wishy-washy. Do we care what happened to the girls?

Emotional hysteria in girls' boarding schools has become something of a cinematic cliche. Peter Weir may have got into this sub-genre earlier than others, but there are many better films from this vibrant period for Australian cinema.