A good attempt to do something different. Has a weird, off-beat feel to it, and the community hidden away in the highlands is well drawn. The cast do well in fleshing out their characters, and there is a sense of foreboding and melancholy that slowly creeps up on you. At first I wasn't totally convinced by Charlie (Alistair McKenzie)'s journey as a character, until he's wondering through the woods and finds an old rusty trampoline. With nobody around, he's free to bounce up and down on it like a kid. This sounds a bit dumb, but it was really quite effective - you really got the sense of a guy finally being able to open up and enjoy himself. Good stuff all round, well directed, moody cinematography, deserves to be seen by a wider audience. .
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jack-31017 February 2003
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prince_lazy_i19 December 2003What? A British movie without any diamond Mockney geezers or slumming luvvie thesps? A British movie that dares to tell an interesting and for the most part unpredictable story about - gasp - recognisable, likeable characters? Is it a ghost movie? Is it a thriller? Is it STRAW DOGS? Is it THE WICKER MAN? No - it's something else, is what it is - most of all, a throwback to the days when the British film industry (quiet at the back there, stop sniggering) could make quirky, intelligent, movies that exemplified style and originality, not just an excuse to pollute the screen with stereotyped by-the-yard Britflick blah. Danny Boyle did it with 28 DAYS LATER, and this film does it too - check it out. As Joe Bob would say.
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maatmouse-19 October 2006I must admit the comments about this "Straw dogs meets Wickerman" had me intrigued enough to want to watch this. Alas, I had never gotten an opportunity to see it on the cinema owing to the big cinemas' attitude of this being an 'indie' movie and not worth the trouble. Moreover I was pleasantly surprised.
The Last Great Wilderness is a very low budget flick shot in the style of Dog Soldiers (lots of hand-held camera, bleak Scottish locations and swearing). Alistair McKenzie is Charlie, a lonely soul who is on a mission to Skye to burn down the house of the pop star who stole his wife (although we never get to meet either in the film). He bumps into Vincente, a half Spanish(?), half English fugitive on the run from some gangland thug who believes Vincente was banging his wife and wants to kill him for it. Vincente and Charlie, reluctantly, team up together and end up at a petrol station somewhere in Scotland with no petrol and a ghost. They chance upon a Lodge in the middle of Scottish nowhere, in search of help and petrol. Instead, they find a group of 'damaged' individuals sharing a retreat headed by David Hayman, a non judgemental fellow assisting with their treatment. Hayman's character takes the two men in and they are befriended of sorts by the community consisting of a sex addict, young mother and child, priest in conflict and a gamekeeper who is not part of the community. Vincente takes advantage of the 'sex addict' whilst Charlie strikes up conversation with Claire, the young mother. After it is revealed that the gamekeeper's daughter is the ghost that Vincente keeps seeing, things continue to get less clear. The head of the community, Ellie is dying and the two men take part in her wake, which involves them both dressing up as women. Whilst being made up by Claire, Charlie takes a leap of faith and makes love to her, an act which is quite touching, giving Charlie's troubled situation. Vincente, however, is pursued over the rough land by the gangland hired killers he has been running from and falls foul of both, his life being mercifully shortened by the gamekeeper whilst Charlie kills the two hired killers. There are no happy endings in this film, though as Charlie tries to return to life and leaves the community.
For me, this film was enjoyable and had an edge to it which keeps the viewer guessing. Little questions crop up for example, why does the community take pictures of Charlie and Vincente when they are asleep? Why does Claire feel she has ruined three lives? Is there something more painful to Charlie's withdrawal? These questions are not answered but perhaps that's for the best. -
tim-28728 April 2004"The Last Great Wilderness" was touted as both a horror movie and a thriller, especially with its poster and DVD cover featuring Alistair Mackenzie toting a shotgun. Suffice to say, Mackenzie's character is wearing a dress at the same time as carrying the shotgun, which is as good an indication as any of the film's rather insane trajectory.
It has an obviously improvisatory feel - when one character makes a confession about the nature of his fantasies, it's hard not to imagine that this really is the first time that the other actors have heard about it (which makes the scene work very well). Other reviewers have already nailed the wayward charm of this cracking movie - though it meanders through any number of genres, with signposts for a dozen other movies, what holds it together is its vicious sense of humour. Worth seeing for the overwhelmingly sinister atmosphere, some superb performances, and an entirely unexpected and shockingly tender love scene which instantly makes the usual Hollywood soft-focus look irredeemably artificial. It's not without flaws, but "The Last Great Wilderness" is nevertheless rivetting, and hopefully not the last great independent British movie. -
loganx-211 June 2008No matter how many strange twists and turns this film and it's highly improbably story threw at me, it never felt excessive. Which is something that should be understood before reading any of the plot details which only sound weirder and weirder as the film goes on.
Two men, Charlie and Vincente, met at a restaurant in Scotland and decide to ride together for a while. Charlie is on his way to burn down the house of his ex-wives new lover (a pop star who wrote a hit song about her, which is constantly on the radio, and is filling Charlie with vengeance), and Vicente a gigolo(allegedly) who slept with a powerful man's wife, and is now in jeopardy of having his testicles forcibly removed.
Bad luck leads them to a remote boarding house where they are forced to spend the night. At first glance the place has all the eerie awkward unpredictability of any of the strange inn's populating David Lynch and Takashi Miike films, yet as the film goes on it opens in very humanistic directions. The boarding house is actually a Retreat/Commune for a group of people with psychological problems, there's a Priest with a taste for boys, an nymphomaniac, an agoraphobic, a paranoid etc, where everyone is encouraged to be as open and forthcoming with their ailments as possible in an atmosphere of trust and security.
Meanwhile Charlie's car is being slowly taken apart to keep him from leaving and Vicente begins having visions of a blonde teenage girl who may be connected to a tragedy that occurred on the grounds many years ago, and he might not have lost track of those chasing him either.
This could all play out like a freak show, but it doesn't, there are some genuinely funny and uncomfortable moments, but the film's ensemble nature gives every character a real voice, and the commune/retreat setting an unpredictable air of both therapy and healing and as well as something darker just around the bend. "The Wicker Man" seems the films most obvious reference point, with their shared examination of alternative and Scottish cultures, psychology, and ritual. The ending is brutal as well as hopeful, and ties together all of the films there-before scatter brain ideas into a neat and emotionally compelling package.
The film plays with tones extremely well, leading you down a horror film hallway and giving you a comedic punch line, or a moment of startling poignancy. It's because of these shifts that the film is enjoyable to watch and difficult to predict.
The music is a mixed bag, on the one hand it's got a great pop song driven soundtrack by The Pastels(who perform in the films climatic gender-bender funeral party), and on the other, there is a really trite 80's synth score which fills in other moments. Nevertheless a funny, fascinating, creepy, well-written, and emotionally fulfilling independent film from Scotland. Not one I would have picked myself at first, but was pleasantly surprised. -
halvorsendotorg2 October 2003Two guys on the run end up in an ominous lodge in the Scottish Highlands.
Starts as a road-movie, then hints in a gothic direction, before ending up as a Dogme meets "The Shining" meets the twisted sister of "Together".
Nothing is what it seems.
Edgy, bent and in periods very funny from Alastair and David Mackenzie. Not bad, just strange. -
Leofwine_draca14 March 2016THE LAST GREAT WILDERNESS is a weird little Scottish movie. The copy I saw of it was so cheap that it looked like it had been filmed on somebody's Camcorder, although I'm sure that wasn't the case. It's a film that's heavily indebted to THE WICKER MAN in terms of storyline, which sees a pair of disparate characters heading up to a remote village and encountering some very weird locals.
If I'm honest I didn't enjoy this film at all. The script is sub-par and the quirky character work doesn't really add anything to the experience. Most of the second half, which is where the interesting stuff lies, is shot in the dark so that it's difficult to see what's going on. None of the characters are remotely sympathetic, and come the end I didn't really understand or care what was happening to them either. Other than minor roles for TRIAL & RETRIBUTION tag-team David Heyman and Victoria Smurfit, THE LAST GREAT WILDERNESS has very little going for it. -
I bought an ex-rental copy of this as an impulse buy after reading about the soundtrack, which features several indie favourites (Pastels, Eugene Kelly, Jarvis Cocker, etc.), and having expected just a bit of fun - "Straw Dogs meets The Wicker Man", as it said on the case - I was very pleasantly surprised. In many ways it acts as the antithesis of both those films; at first it seems like a surefire Wicker Man ripoff, before defying all expectations, and rather than take Straw Dogs' hoary "you must take up arms and taste blood to be a real man" shtick, it offers quite the opposite.
Is it a scary film? Not really, and if that's what you're expecting, as "Donald Darko" was, then you'll be disappointed. Rather it's a unique, atmospheric film full of new ideas concerning gender and sexuality, as Charlie begins his journey from a cuckolded man desperate to violently reassert his masculinity to discovering a new way of doing so when he gets into the lodge. Admittedly, I had just read Carol Clover's "Men, Women & Chainsaws" when I first saw this, so all the symbolism as regards castration anxiety seemed quiet obvious, but this is a film that stands up to repeated viewings and offers new insights every time you see it. I'm not going to pretend I understand all of it yet - Vincente's arc still eludes me - but this is one of the reasons to keep coming back to it.
Again, if you're expecting "Dog Soldiers", this film isn't for you. But in short, what is right about it: cracking dialogue; beautiful DV photography by Simon Dennis; one of the most tender, erotic love scenes in years; the butterfly symbolism; ace performances; a lovely soundtrack... oh hell, you get the idea. Ignore Philip French's snotty review - this is great modern, refreshing low-budget British film-making, and if there's any justice in the world, it will find its audience in time.
Conclusion - rather than being a predictable, violent thrill-ride, TLGW is possibly the most intelligent, subtextually rich British horror film since Don't Look Now. Seek it out now! -
Yvaine-211 April 2003Saw this movie this evening as part of the local film festival - really thought it was great. The script was really rather unpredictable, and very funny. Casting, acting, writing, etc all came together to make it a great film.
The Wicker Man comes up often with this film, deservedly so - not that it is in any way a rip off, quite original actually - it's just the vibe you get. It was really interesting to be so completely outside the people in the retreat when Charlie and Vince arrive - it was so difficult to tell what was going on, and the audience kind of gets to figure it out with the main characters - a neat device. I was thrown off a bit by Vince's last scene in the film - it did not seem to fit with the pace of the movie. I'm glad that it made it out of Scotland. so the rest of us can see it!! -
helizara26 August 2002This starts out looking like a run of the mill road trip film then suddenly you realise it's tripped into Wicker man territory. Well worth seeing, especially if you're familiar with the atmosphere in the highlands of scotland as its full of subtle references to the attitudes of the location, which really ring true.
In a way it's a one actor movie but Alastair Mackenzie does well as Charlie, although for anyone who's seen Monarch of the Glen it's difficult to stop seeing him as Archie. That being said the supporting cast, the usual suspects from the scottish luvies, do well too.
Overall a delightful, well observed comedy on the nature of escapisim. -
This film isn't horror, its very unique bizarre drama. Its still very good drama, quite amusing in some places and uses the art of suspense and subtle
references to classic horror films to keep the viewer engaged. Charlie is in Scotland hoping to burn down the house of a celebrity who has
nicked his wife when Vincente throws himself upon his mercy in a motorway
service station. Charlie is obliged to take Vincente in his car where they do a great deal of male bonding on the road. They run out of petrol on a very
deserted patch of Scottish highland and are forced to take 'refuge' (being the operative word) in a lone manor house, miles from anywhere, where there are
some very strange characters residing. The film centralises on the characters exercising their own demons by being
surrounded and supported by other dysfunctional people who have their own
problems. The film ends with some shocking violence. To be fair, its a very
unrealistic story and quite confusing at some points but if you, as like the
characters of Charlie and Vincente are looking for some escapism, 'The Last
Great Wilderness' could be for you. -
gcaplan31 May 2003I was almost put off this film by ubercritic Philip French's savage review in the Observer: "a risible Scottish fiasco". Ouch! But it's very much better than that - as the high rating by IMDB voters suggests.
What Mr French seems to have missed is that this is a comedy - a deliciously dark comedy. The script plays with cliched genres such as the road movie and the horror movie - with subtle twists and knowing jokes. And although its tongue is always firmly in its cheek, it has interesting things to say about the crazy ways we try to deal with problems in life...
Any director exploring the funny side of madness, murder, shamanism, assisted suicide, crucifiction, and immolation is taking a bit of a risk. But on the whole, David MacKenzie pulls off his debut with aplomb. There are excellent performances from brother Alistair MacKenzie, the fragrant Victoria Smurfitt and the usual Scottish suspects, and a standout soundtrack from Glasgow unit The Pastels.
Quite a funky and thought-provoking night out - well worth seeing. -
tracenodent29 August 2002I thought this movie was excellent in every way. I didn't find it a one-actor movie at all. Although it focused a bit on Charlie, Vince and all the characters in the lodge were just as important. I thought all the actors did a great job. (I've not seen Monarch of the Glen, but I want to now!) Wonderful movie...wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Hopefully at least a few people outside of Edinburgh will see it! :)
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scott_beveridge14 August 2006I've given this 9 out of 10 because I was quite transfixed by the story and the characters. It is essentially a road movie with a hint of The Wicker Man, though this is not a midsummer tale; bleak winter highland shots are well used. At times it is almost whimsical and it's not the most consistent of movies. However the atmosphere never lets up and the denouement may surprise you. If I was asked to award marks for technical proficiency it would get about six but, hey, that didn't stop The Blair Witch Project from being successful! The cast were great,especially the chap playing Vicente who was intense and explosive. I constantly had the wrong idea about the characters in this movie and that was refreshing.
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Donald_Darko6 October 2003I don't want to say this is a bad film because I think I was expecting too much from it. A couple of reviews had lead me to believe it was similar to 28 Days Later and Dog Soldiers (Both of which I really enjoyed).
The film began well enough and I think it is an interesting idea. However, by the closing credits I was left underwhelmed, disapointed and most importantly confused.
Maybe there was some signifigance to the ending but if there was, I sure didn't get it.
Despite this, I would say it is definatley a film worth watching. -
calb3915 December 2015Watched it knowing very little about it, ended up extremely pleased! Merging many genre's in the process, this film isn't for everyone, but
shows the mainstream how its done! Shows the beauty of the low budget films focus on mood, aesthetics and acting to ensure full engagement. The charm of the Scottish landscapes also adds a delicious, raw edge. On top of superb performances all round, very likable characters and the mystique element of the narrative that builds up, creates a fairly original vibe. Very interesting film for those interested in the more rewarding realms of British cinema. Also features The Pastels which just adds that extra sweetness -
james-7864 October 2004This movie was billed as some kind of modern-day wicker-man, but it instead fails to be anything of the sort.Its not entertaining or scary in the least , the only reason it even qualifies for an 18- certificate is because of 5 minutes of mild nastiness right at the end. The movie builds tension and you wait fixed to the screen for the bad stuff to begin in the lonely lodge deep in the Scottish highlands. Instead you get a few mysteries which end up in nothing and are unresolved at the end, and a bunch of guys dressed as tarts at a funeral. The Wicker man this ain't, people. If you see the case in the video store, don't be fooled by the guff on the cover, because The Last Great Wilderness is the last great disappointment.
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azathothpwiggins9 April 2022THE LAST GREAT WILDERNESS is a different sort of movie. There's a gentle warmth about it that is jarringly interrupted by jolts of graphic sex and disturbing, sadistic violence. There's also a thick atmosphere of dread that's broken up by a cast of oddball characters and humorous bits.
Charlie (Alastair Mackenzie) is the driven, damaged center of the story, on a voyage of danger and discovery.
If you enjoy neo-gothic ghost stories or subtle, suddenly shocking thrillers, then give this film a go...