Shoot The Hostage

Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) - S15 E117

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We’re climbing back into the void for the third instalment of our Liminal Space season. After the chaotic vibes of last week, Sarah has led us into the hazy sun-drenched mystery of Peter Weir’s 1975 masterpiece, Picnic at Hanging Rock.

It’s a film that defines Australian cinema and remains one of the most haunting pop-culture touchstones of the 1970s, even if Dan is convinced the titular landmark is a self-powered, solar-propelled magic rock with a hidden toaster outlet for your crumpets.

We anchor ourselves into the cinema of Victorian repression, exploring how a group of schoolgirls from Appleyard College vanished on Valentine’s Day in 1900. Is the rock simply a geological wonder, or is it an ancient, cosmic horror entity capable of folding time and space?

We discuss the ethereal atmosphere created by Weir and the legendary “great wig drama” involving a formidable Rachel Roberts. From Jackie Weaver’s flat cap adventure to the mystery of the 1900 era thin bananas, we’re leaving no stone unturned.

What to expect from this episode:

  • Sarah explains why this is the quintessential entry for our liminal space movies season.
  • Dan reveals his theory about the rock being a self-powered solar panel for picnickers.
  • A look at the tyrannical performance of Rachel Roberts and her refusal to look at her co-stars.
  • We discuss the ethereal cinematography and framing.
  • The mystery of the thin bananas and a tangent about why fruit was better in the good old days.
  • Why an American distributor was so angry about the ending, he threw coffee at his TV.
  • A breakdown of some of the deleted scenes from the theatrical cut and the motive behind Peter Weir’s directors cut.
  • The secret clock-stopping powers of the book’s eccentric author.
  • How a teenager almost made the movie before Patricia Lovell stepped in.
  • Dan tries to reconcile if this is a Lovecraftian horror or just a very long afternoon without enough snacks.

    • This season has eight episodes, concluding July 6th

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