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Clip description
The storm has subsided and Connie Hampton (Tracy Mann), Steve Parry (Chris Haywood) and Connie’s father Mick Brennan (Tony Barry) emerge from their hiding places to the sight of a city in ruins.
Curator’s notes
The shocking extent of Cyclone Tracy’s destruction of Darwin is first shown in this scene, introduced through the eyes of the main characters. Striking cinematography from director of photography Andrew Lesnie, such as the high-angle shots of Mick as he gains consciousness and stumbles around his ravaged house, helps emphasise the characters’ dazed confusion and dread. There is a chilling moment as we spot a young boy’s feet beneath a mattress before his father does.
This clip seamlessly incorporates historical footage shot by Film Australia camera crew in the immediate wake of the disaster. This dramatic real aerial and street footage shows the extent of the city’s devastation. The overly dramatic music is unnecessary in this sequence; the images are powerful enough on their own. Production designer Stewart Burnside and the art department have done an excellent job re-creating the damage; it is only when the actors are in shot that you can be sure you are watching the mini-series and not the historical footage.
You can watch Film Australia’s Cyclone Tracy – Darwin, Christmas 1974 on YouTube. The footage is directed by Chris Noonan (who later directed Babe, 1995). See also unedited footage by freelance cinematographer Bushnell, K: Cyclone Tracy Aftermath (1974).
