Lasseter's Bones (2012)

Unfortunately, I truly had to search far and wide to find a way to view this film, being that there was no release in the U.S. (at the time that I became aware of its existence), couldn't purchase it outside of the Australian iTunes system, and I was unable to find a website hosting it. That being said, I was not disappointed when I finally got my hands on a copy. This film is about the characters and their personal journeys and development throughout there search for Lasseter's gold. Not only are we given insight into the life of Lasseter and his son, but the filmmaker's obsession with the legend as well. This is character development at its finest. I will be doing a further reading on this story. (Somewhat reminded me of the story of the Lost Dutchman mine in the southwest U.S.)

Documentaries never really caught my eye because I always found them boring. However, after seeing the many nominations and critic circles recognizing Australia's Lost Gold, I decided to give it a try. Boy, what I treat I was in for! Director Luke Walker, puts together a documentary that combines mystery, adventure, and excitement in the search of the legendary hidden golden reef in the abyss of the Central Australian Desert. I loved all the twists, turns, and obstacles they had to face that left me on the edge of my seat! At some points, I did not realize that I was watching a documentary because Walker redefines what a "documentary" actually means.

Australia's Lost Gold has officially been added to my list of favorite independent films! I love independent films like this that intertwine culture and history with a great story line. It's exciting to be able to explore and learn about different cultures through film. Audiences have the opportunity to visit places around the world that they may never have the opportunity to visit. Australia's Lost Gold explores the famous Australian legend of undiscovered gold in the Central Australian Desert. I don't know many people who get the opportunity to visit Australian deserts in their lifetime but as I was watching the film, I felt like I was there. Throughout the documentary, director Luke Walker does an outstanding job of immersing his audience into the Australian culture. From personal interviews with townspeople to the interactions with Aborigine's from the desert, you really feel like you get an understanding of the people that live there. Thanks to Luke's superb directing, the film is packed with great shots of the country's landscape that allows the audience to see what "down under" really means. In addition to the beautiful culture portrayed in the film, the story-line is just as intriguing. It's an exciting plot that takes you on the quest for not just undiscovered gold, but the truth. I definitely recommend watching it if you're looking for a great new movie to add to your list.

I was amazed and deeply moved by this documentary by Luke Walker, a dedicated Australian film maker, who's style reminded me of my fellow German and favorite documentarian of all time, Werner Herzog. Carefully crafted and expertly narrated, this film shows the perplexity and intestinal fortitude of Bob Lasseter, who simply will not give up looking for the plethora of gold his father claimed to have found in the Australian outback nearly a hundred years ago. Walker takes us on a complex, unique and engrossing treasure hunt. Alone the first sentence of the official synopsis: "In 1931 Harold Lasseter's body was found in Central Australia's deserts. His diary revealed that he'd found gold, worth millions...but that he'd give it all for a loaf of bread..." got me hooked. It's an outstanding and highly intriguing story. Well worth seeing!