What is Ozploitation?
The Australian Ozploitation films of the seventies and eighties are some of the most influential and beloved Australian films of all time. These films, often made on a shoestring budget, were created by passionate and innovative filmmakers who pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible in Australian cinema. They explored a range of topics, from horror to comedy, and created a unique genre of film that stands out from the crowd. Films such as Mad Max, The Man from Hong Kong, Wake in Fright and Long weekend captured the imaginations of moviegoers and are still remembered fondly today. These films showcased a unique Australian flair and made a lasting impression on audiences. It is easy to see why these movies are still revered and remain a significant part of film history.
Definition of Ozploitation films
Ozploitation is an informal term to describe a series of Australian exploitation films popular in the 1970s and 1980s. These films were often B-movies that were heavily influenced by genre movies such as horror, sci-fi, and action and were produced cheaply, often on a single film reel. The name “Ozploitation” pays homage to the classic exploitation films of the 1950s and 1960s. Exploitation films are a genre of film that uses sensationalism and “shock value” to draw in viewers. They typically deal with taboo topics and are often made as “B-movies” that are not intended to be taken seriously.
The actual term, ‘Ozploitation,’ was first coined by director Mark Hartley in his excellent documentary “Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation'' in 2008. Quentin Tarantino is a huge fan of Australian exploitation movies himself. He called them ‘Aussie-sploitation’ films and introduced some styles into his films, like Kill Bill (2003). The film Next of Kin (1982) would not have seen the light of day if Tarantino did not discover it on a worn-out VHS tape. He championed the film and was instrumental in it eventually being released on DVD and Blu-Ray.
History of Ozploitation films
Ozploitation was born from societal changes in the ’70s, culturally and politically. Everything from the rise of feminism to the war in Vietnam. It was a time of significant change. And this change gave birth to Ozploitation - a combination of Australian humour, horror, and action. It was an exciting time in the film industry that gave us some of the most iconic films in Australia’s cinematic history.
The seeds of Ozploitation were sown in the late 1960s when the Australian New Wave movement began. This movement, which grew out of the “Australian film renaissance” of the 1950s, ended decades of Australian film stagnation and saw the creation of many critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. In the early 1970s, the Australian film industry flourished, with many studios producing various projects.
On the 15th of November 1971, the ‘R’ certificate was introduced to Australia. The ‘R’ rating was one of four new film classifications to come into effect: ‘G’ (General Exhibition), NRC (Not Recommended for Children), ‘M’ (Mature) and ‘R’ (Restricted to Audiences 18 and Over). These more liberal attitudes to sex, nudity and, to some extent, violence were the catalyst for the “Ozploitation” genre in Australia for many years to come.
On the 7th of July 1975, the Australian government created the Australian Film Commission (AFC). This was an incredibly positive move and saw the Australian film industry become increasingly successful. With the AFC's support, filmmakers could access funding and resources to create notable films. This allowed for more diverse and innovative stories and for filmmakers to express their creativity. It also brought a surge of jobs and investment in the industry, which helped make it a central part of Australian culture. The AFC's commitment to fostering talent was incredibly exciting and inspiring - it was no wonder filmmakers responded so positively!
These films were often controversial and dealt with taboo subjects such as violence and sex, and they often portrayed uniquely Australian themes and settings. The most successful films of this era were Wake in Fright, The Man From Hong Kong, Mad Max and Long Weekend. They also laid the groundwork for many future Australian directors, and many actors who appeared in these films had successful careers in Australian cinema.
Notable directors and films
One of the most prolific filmmakers in the genre was Brian Trenchard-Smith. His films were full of creative energy and a unique visual style that often imbued them with a sense of fun and excitement. From the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Dead End Drive-In to BMX Bandits, Brian Trenchard-Smith has created a veritable catalogue of cult classics. With each new release, audiences were treated to something unique and exciting, and his works are still remembered fondly today. He helped define a genre, and his efforts will forever be remembered in film history, making him one of the greats!
One of the most influential early Ozploitation films was Wake In Fright.
Released in 1971, this movie has been credited with bringing the Australian Outback to life onscreen and introducing the world to a new film genre. It captured a unique Aussie spirit that was both exciting and dangerous at once, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience. The film has been hailed by critics and audiences alike for its unique take on masculinity and modernity, making it an essential piece of Australian film history. Its intense visuals and powerful performances make it easy to see why Wake In Fright continues to captivate viewers and influence filmmakers today.
Unique themes in Ozploitation films
The films of the 1970s and 1980s featured many themes and topics, but many shared certain stylistic and thematic similarities. These films often featured a “rough” and “gritty” aesthetic, with their low budgets and minimal crew often resulting in an authentic and “real” feel. The plots of many Ozploitation films often featured a climactic car chase or heist, which helped them to stand out from the crowd.
Ozploitation films were also known for their sensationalist and often shocking content, which often featured graphic violence and sex. They pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on film.
Their popularity soared during the 70s and 80s as these films capitalised on cinematic freedom and the opportunity to be creative and outrageous in a way that had never been done before. Many of these films were truly one of a kind, and they left an indelible imprint on the film industry. Their outrageous nature made them exciting to watch and made them beloved by fans all around the world.
One of the more outrageous examples of 80's Ozploitation is Body Melt from 1983. This amusingly grotesque horror film follows a group of suburbanites who unwittingly receive experimental vitamins from a pharmaceutical company and slowly succumb to a particularly gruesome fate. The special effects are over-the-top, the body horror is out of control, and it's all delivered with an unmistakably 80's flair. If you're in the mood for a campy, gory romp, Body Melt is sure to deliver!
Impact of Ozploitation films
The Ozploitation films of the 1970s and 1980s played a notable role in shaping Australian cinema and are still remembered fondly today. Many of these films were critically acclaimed, and some even won awards. The Mad Max series is widely considered among the best Australian films ever made, and many other Ozploitation films also gained recognition in Australia and abroad. These films also had a significant impact on the careers of many of their actors and directors, including Mel Gibson, George Miller, Brian Trenchard-Smith and Russell Mulcahy.
Ozploitation films in contemporary cinema
The Ozploitation films of the 1970s and 1980s were often low-budget and featured a raw and authentic aesthetic. They also often featured stories about struggling individuals and groups who overcome adversity, making them appealing to contemporary filmmakers interested in making lower-budget and more realistic films. These films have also helped inspire filmmakers interested in telling Australian stories or using Australian settings. Many modern Australian films, including The Loved Ones, Storm Warning and Wolf Creek, draw on Ozploitation elements.
Ozploitation films of the future
While the Ozploitation films of the 1970s and 1980s are still remembered fondly, they also helped to inspire filmmakers to create new and modern films similarly. In recent years, several contemporary Australian filmmakers have created films reminiscent of the classic Ozploitation films of the 1970s and 1980s. Films such as Snowtown, released in 2011, and The Babadook, which came out in 2014, feature a raw and “gritty” aesthetic and explore horror and psychological distress themes. These films feature modern Australian settings and stories but still feel reminiscent of the classic Ozploitation films from the 1970s and 1980s.
Many Ozploitation films have also inspired modern filmmakers. James Wan is one of the best-known modern filmmakers influenced by the genre.
With a career spanning over two decades, Wan has made some of the most iconic and influential horror films, such as Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring. His unique blend of horror and dark humour has captivated audiences worldwide, and his work has earned him numerous awards and accolades. Wan's commitment to creating suspenseful, intense horror movies has inspired many other filmmakers - making him one of the genre's greats.
Conclusion
The Ozploitation films of the 1970s and 1980s are still revered today, and many of them have become classics of Australian cinema. The genre is characterized by its outrageous, over-the-top plots and larger-than-life characters. It was a refreshing take on the typical narrative structure of the time, allowing filmmakers to be more creative with their stories. These films' iconic Australian icons and settings have become part of the country's cultural identity and have been beloved by audiences for generations. The genre is exciting and still kicking today, with modern directors taking inspiration from its wild energy. It's a thrilling time for fans who enjoy classic and new films within the same beloved category.