Kangaroo (1987 film)


Kangaroo is a 1987 Australian drama film directed by Tim Burstall and starring Colin Friels, Judy Davis, and John Walton. It is based on the 1923 novel of the same name by D. H. Lawrence.

Premise

In 1922, an English writer migrates to Australia with his wife. There he resists joining both a paramilitary group and a socialist group, is caught in a riot, sees a death and loses love and friendship.

Cast

In 1972, it was announced the novel would be filmed starring Dirk Bogarde but this did not eventuate. In 1981, Tim Burstall announced he would make the film and he had Leo McKern lined up to play Kangaroo and Bryan Brown and Olivia Newton-John to play the husband and wife.
The film was not made. He managed to do it several years later, by which time he felt McKern was too old and instead cast Hugh Keays-Byrne. He commissioned Evan Jones to adapt the script because he felt it needed an English writer.
Filming was conducted in Melbourne, Australia and went from 21 October to 14 December 1985.

Awards

The film was nominated for 2 awards in the 1986 AFI Awards and also won in the Best Achievement in Best Actress in a Lead Role and Costume Design categories. It was entered into the 15th Moscow International Film Festival.

Home video

After the film's 1987 U.S. theatrical run, the film was released on videocassette and laserdisc by MCA Home Video. The film was released through Australia-based Umbrella Entertainment on 8 January 2010 as an all-region PAL disc.
The film is rated R13 in New Zealand.

Box office

Kangaroo grossed $68,978 at the box office in Australia.