Wake in Fright: Filmed as The Outback (Film Ink) - Softcover

Cook, Kenneth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 185375482X ISBN 13: 9781853754821

Publisher: Prion, 2002

Synopsis

The Film Ink series presents the novels that inspired the work of some of the most celebrated directors of our time. While each novel is first and foremost a classic in its own right, these books offer the dedicated cinephile a richer understanding of the most illustrious films of American and European cinema. Wake In Fright was first published in 1961 and the film version, The Outback, starring Donald Pleasance was released in 1971. Both the book and the film have achieved a cult status as the Australian answer to US and UK novels and films of 1960s youthful alienation. It is the gruelling story of a young Australian schoolteacher on his way back from the outback to Sydney and civilization when things start to go wrong. He finds himself stuck overnight in Bundanyabba, a rough outback mining town. An ill-advised and drink-fuelled visit to a gambling den leaves Grant broke and he realizes he has no way of escaping. He descends into a cycle of hangovers, fumbling sexual encounters, and increasing self-loathing as he becomes more and more immersed in the grotesque and surreal nightmare that his life has become.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Many of the world’s great films share an essential ingredient: a great book as their source. The Film Ink series presents the novels that inspired the work of some of the most celebrated directors of our time. And while each novel is first and foremost a classic in its own right, these books offer the dedicated cinephile a richer understanding of some of the most illustrious films of Hollywood and European cinema.

Review:

“A remarkable achievement... Cook writes astonishingly well, with fierce economy and a frightening power of visualization.” -- The New York Times

About this edition

• Publisher: Prion
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 185375482X
• ISBN 13: 9781853754821
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 174