Perhaps the reason that bushranger tales have proven so enduring in Australian culture is their distinct anti-authoritarian bent, positioning these outback outlaws as the Australian equivalent to Robin Hood, albeit not imaginary. The Legend of Ben Hall, despite wearing its historical authenticity proudly, attempts to romanticise Ben Hall, one of Australia's most notorious outlaws, but it never quite sells the idea that the titular man can make a convincing hero.
When the film begins, Hall (Jack Martin) is living a nomadic life, hiding from the law, and looking for someone from his past. That someone is his ex-wife (Joanne Dobbin), who is raising his young son (Zane Ciarma) with another man (Nick Barry). Spurned once again by his wife for his criminal ways, Hall hooks up with old friend John Gilbert, a flamboyant Canadian (Jamie Coffa) and young John Dunn (William Lee), as they attempt to rustle up enough money to flee the country.
The film is beautiful on the surface, with location shooting in some picturesque wilderness locations, as well as in small cabins both historical and specially built, creating an immersive and textured look and feel. The costuming too creates a fine sense of time and place that draws the audience in. However, once the audience has been drawn in, the film's weaknesses begin to show.
The story of The Legend of Ben Hall is thin, and yet the movie stretches on for over two hours. The dialogue often feels inconsequential, and it is sometimes delivered half-heartedly by the enormous cast. Most of the female characters are more-or-less props, some of whom throw themselves at the feet of Hall and his gang. Of the central trio, it is only William Lee who gives an engaging performance, capturing the uncertainty and desire to imitate the older men of the young John Dunn. Jack Martin is given little more to do than stare intensely, and the less said about Jamie Coffa's "Canadian" accent the better.
Audiences may find themselves actively rooting against Hall and his gang. Despite the film's attempts to eulogise the protagonist, it rings quite hollow when throughout the film he has been shown to victimise the innocent by robbing them blind, and use threats and force (short of killing, of course) to do so. The supposed villainy of the police hunting him is almost absent; for most of the film they just seem to be doing their job to halt the string of robberies that are a blight on important trade and travel routes.
The Legend of Ben Hall is the first of a planned trilogy telling the story of Australia's most famous bushrangers. Historical accuracy is one thing, but delivering a compelling, consistent and logical film narrative is another. The Legend of Ben Hall is a well-made, often striking surface, but below is a muddle that feels both conceptually and emotionally stunted.
The Legend of Ben Hall opens in Australian cinemas on Thursday December 1st.
