I find particularly impressive the way the writer and director handle the indigenous issues so critical to the narrative. The many pub scenes in the film feel authentic and are not played for cheap laughs as with so many “ocker” comedies. Rex’s drinking pals in Broken Hill are road worker, Dougie (David Field), with John Howard and Alan Dukes filling out the trio of blokey Aussies with their boozy cheer and typical Antipodean humour. Love of another kind is found in the film’s representation of mateship. Altruism is also effectively represented in the relationship between Rex and Julie (Emma Hamilton), a young British nurse travelling and working as a barmaid, but a girl with enough selflessness (albeit that she has her eye on Tilly) that she is prepared to care for Rex as his condition worsens.
Rex has never been big on expressing his feelings and only when it appears to be too late does he become aware of the things he should have said to Polly. This primary concern is played out against the background theme of human connectivity. The issue of euthanasia is explored as while Rex believes that he has the right to end his life on his own terms, his doctor points out that it’s not as simple as it might seem. I am so glad that they have finally made it for it is rich narrative film-making and the various themes it addresses are relevant to us all.įirstly, there is the morally, legally and politically hot chestnut of end-of-life choices. What Rex learns on this far-from-usual road trip will change how he perceives the end of his life.ĭirector Jeremy Sims and co-writer Reg Cribb have had this story on the boil for 13 years since they read of the real-life inspiration for it. Hoping to avail himself of the Northern Territory’s new laws on the matter, Rex sets out, on the way picking up a travel pal, Tilly (Mark Coles Smith), a young indigenous AFL hopeful. When he is told he has only three months to live he decides to drive his cab to Darwin, where Dr Farmer (Jacki Weaver) has recently been at the forefront of legalising voluntary euthanasia. He keeps pretty much to himself except for his drinking mates and an occasional dalliance with Polly (Ningali Lawford), his indigenous neighbour.
#The last taxi to darwin driver#
Synopsis: Rex (Michael Caton) is a single, 70-year-old taxi driver who has never left Broken Hill.
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