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Book News 
Review
NED KELLY
The screenplay
by John Michael McDonagh
Screenplay of the Gregor Jordan/Heath
Ledger movie 'Ned Kelly'.
Publisher: Currency Press Pty Ltd
RRP: $21.95
(paperback)
Publication: Available in book stores now,
(or contact enquiries@currency.com.au)
Below
is a review of the book of the screenplay 'Ned Kelly'. It is not a review
of the movie, or the book it was based on ('Our Sunshine' by Robert Drewe).
However as this screenplay is directly related to the movie, some comment
on the storyline and its accuracy seems required first.
Reactions to this movie have
been almost identical to reactions when Peter Carey's book 'True History'
was released. Both have either been praised or maligned, with no room
in-between. It is worth looking at why fiction based of fact inspires
such powerful reactions. Seemingly some people want history presented
factually and accurately, and become concerned that the true story will
be lost if fictional accounts are written. Others, on the other hand,
prefer a 'folk law' quality and, while expecting the essence of the story
to be accurate, they want history re-told in new and imaginative ways.
In other words, those who hate it are concerned with facts and details
and thus probably prefer documentaries, whereas those who love it are
interested in the story's essence and so enjoy the narrative. For those
who fit the latter category this film and screenplay will suit your taste,
but those who identify with the former, neither is for you. There are
a number of historical inaccuracies in this version of the Kelly story
that are difficult for the more 'purist' Kelly historian to overlook.
It must be remembered, however, that neither the film nor the screenplay
(nor the book they were both based on), were ever meant to be documentaries,
and therefore should not be expected to be historically precise. (Note:
The only method of accurately retelling the true history of the Kelly
outbreak would be through an impartial documentary or history textbook.)
Despite the historical inaccuracies and omissions, and the dramatic license
taken with history in 'Ned Kelly', the essence of the Kelly story is undoubtedly
told in this pro-Kelly account. One cannot deny that the injustice suffered
by Ned and his family and friends, and their attempt to fight it, are
clearly portrayed. Ned Kelly wanted his story told, and regardless of
any errors of fact, the essence of his story is currently reaching a huge
audience. It is therefore important to evaluate the 'whole package' of
this interpretation, rather than its specifics. Also, perhaps we might
consider the fact that if people were not allowed to make unrestricted
creative versions of Ned's history - then very few, if any, versions with
wide audience appeal would ever be produced, or reproduced. Ned's 'voice'
would then grow gradually quieter across the generations - rather than
louder - and right now it is louder than it ever has been. Essentially,
just like Peter Carey's novel, 'Ned Kelly' does just what good fiction
should - it becomes the lie that tells the truth.
Having said that, it should be noted that the errors of fact in some places
are quite glaring. The fictitious blood drinking and circus scenes startle
the audience (rather than engage them) in what is actually a fascinating
and compelling true story, merited on facts alone.
For those interested in what was factual and what fiction, click here:
Fact or fiction?
"NED: 'Cheer
up, now, Mister Curnow, you're a witness to history. How many schoolteachers
dream of that?'
He look at them for a moment, then walks out the door."
REVIEW
Included in this book is an
interesting 'forward' by the film's director Gregor Jordan. In which he
reveals the inspiration for making the film and explains why he chose
McDonagh's screenplay of Drewe's novel in particular. He says, "…The
strange style of the novel, and the way John had woven this style into
the script, was the key." He explains what he saw as some of the
more difficult aspects of making a two hour movie about "Australia's
greatest legend", and therefore how "…any screenplay, no
matter how good, must be a compromise".
By way of a brief summary
of Ned's life, this book includes at the start, a history section by filmmaker
and critic Peter Galvin. He provides a précis of the Kelly story
(after researching it), and includes in his 'notes' a list of his sources.
For those with little knowledge of the true events of this part of Australia's
history, this section does provide a good, if simple, overview.
There are a few scenes in
the screenplay that evidently, due to editing, presumably found their
way no further than the 'cutting room' floor, but this is no doubt due
to lack of time rather than poor scripting. Scenes missing from the film
include; Constable Lonigan's 'blackballing' of Ned (thus the significance
of Ned later shooting Lonigan is lost), along with a scene of Steve Hart
arguing with Ned over the denied theft of the clergyman's watch, in which
an irritated Ned throws him Sgt. Kennedy's watch for consolation. (This
missing scene explains why Supt Hare later finds the watch in the ashes.)
It would have been better had they been included (hopefully they will
wind up on the DVD version when released), but in the meantime, it is
nice to be able to read what was intended to be included, and to imagine
the scenes had they made it into the film.
Along with the script are
simple details of all scenes, and some directions to the actors (e.g.
to indicate mood), which are very interesting to read. The book of the
screenplay is a must for any of the movie's fans, particularly as it includes
a number of close-up stills from the film, (some in colour, some in black
& white).
Many real events and characters have been left out of this version of
the story, obviously to aid in presenting such a complicated and lengthy
story in only a couple of hours on film, and also so the storyline can
be easily followed for those with little, or no, knowledge of the true
story. The movie has so far inspired very pronounced polar reactions;
audiences have either passionately loved - or loathed it. Nevertheless
it is a good screenplay and an easy one to read. I recommend this book
if you enjoyed the movie!
Review
first published 5th May 2003
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