the Proposition (John Hillcoat, 2005)

AU/UK, 104 min

a follow-up: another john hillcoat/nick cave collaboration
(still scored with cave-music, fuckyes)
obviously they cast ray winstone just for me…
the violence is masterful, while not overdone

Ghosts… of the Civil Dead (John Hillcoat, 1988)

AU, 93 min

insidious repression
rage
breaking point

Central Industrial Prison is set in the middle of the desert. It’s the future of maximum-security containment and it’s been “locked down” after an explosion of violence. A Committee’s been appointed to report on the events that led to the violence but their findings are in stark contrast to the reality we see with our own eyes.. “Ghosts.. of the Civil Dead” is a powerful drama on modern methods of social control.

Ghosts… Of The Civil Dead is set entirely within the confines of a modern Maximum Security prison – a “New Generation” Prison painted in playschool yellows, bathroom violets and resembling your modern Shopping Mall. Central Industrial Prison is located in the middle of the desert. It has been “locked down” – the confinement of all inmates to their cells, 23 hours a day, indefintely – following an outbreak of violence, and a Committee has been appointed to report..

Ultimately, Ghosts… Of The Civil Dead….