And happen they do, but when the promise of violence pays out, it's not in any sort of satisfying or thrilling way. The violence in The Proposition is borne of an offhand ugliness. It all loops back to the idea of inevitability — none of the murderous acts are dwelled upon because these things are bound to happen. All systems in nature are entropic, all good intentions will collapse and all of us will eventually meet our end.
As the film spirals towards the ending that it must possess, the horror inherent in the story (what would you do with such a choice?) gives way to a deep and crushing sadness (what to make of a world where such choices exist?). The final shot shows two characters sitting motionless in front of an achingly gorgeous sunset as one asks the other, "What're you gonna do now?" The answer goes unspoken, but it rings clear anyway: Sit here and wait for the flies to come take me like everyone else.
![Proposition (1998) [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4173X1XCWML._SL120_.jpg)
Article comments
1 - Snarkattack
Ah, the flies, they are an absolute pain in the summer, especially in the bush. Especially those fat March or marsh flies that bite.
I'm surprised you didn't mention (musician) Nick Cave's involvement in this film, I'm pretty sure he wrote the story. That is Nick Cave of 'Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' fame. When the film was first made, everyone here (in Australia) seemed to make a fuss over it.
2 - Steve C.
I did give Cave a quick mention in paragraph 3, but the general omission was intention for two reasons:
1) Most every article I've read about this film notes Cave's contributions while giving short shrift to Hillcoat. That seems a bit unfair to me.
2) In truth, I'm a big ol' Nick Cave fanboy, and I really didn't want this article to turn into blind hagiography. Which I tend to do when talking about Cave. He's the tits.
3 - Hugh C
Strangley enough, I saw this film almost back-to-back wtih "The Wind that shakes the Barley" and I think that The Proposition does a much better job of portraying the evil bastard Captain Stanley in a much better, almost compassionate way, than Ken Loach's treatment of the loathsome Black and Tans. (I'm Irish, not that that should make and difference). Whether this is due to Ray Winstone's talent or the direction or the writing is open to debate, but it's almost a masterpiece. I will watch this movie again.
There are some of details about Captain Stanley I'm intrigued by: Is he impotent? Is he an opium eater? Why would he know Shakespeare? After all he is a lowly colonial copper and presumably not well educated. His is an intriguing character, moreso than Guy Pearce's Charlie Burns and Danny Huston's Arthur.
Anyone with insight, please comment...
thanks,
Hugh
4 - Steve C.
About the only part I can help you on is the Shakespeare thing -- Captain Stanley is familiar with Shakespeare undoubtedly because he's a Nick Cave character, and Nick likes himself some high-flown literary references. Not as illuminating as you might have hoped, I'll bet... sorry. :-)
5 - Gary Riedel
I invite you to read my review at the listed site. Thank you.