Justin Kurzel’s Ellis Park is not your typical documentary. It’s a blend of personal portraiture and urgent activism, weaving together the life of Australian musician Warren Ellis with the extraordinary work of the titular wildlife sanctuary in Sumatra. Known for his haunting compositions with The Dirty Three and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Ellis emerges as a deeply human figure—quirky, reflective, and profoundly compassionate. Kurzel, stepping into documentary filmmaking for the first time, drifts between Ellis’s past and the sanctuary’s mission. From the misty mountains of Ballarat to the lush jungles of Sumatra, the film is a visual and emotional triumph.
The documentary’s heart lies in its dual narrative. On one hand, it traces Ellis’s unconventional journey—from a childhood in Ballarat, to his rise as a musical icon. Kurzel avoids the clichés of a standard biopic, opting instead for intimate moments, like Ellis visiting his elderly parents or recounting his struggles with addiction. These scenes are enriched by Ellis’s own score, a haunting violin that underscores the film’s emotional depth.
Ellis Park shines a spotlight on the Sumatra wildlife sanctuary co-founded by Ellis and led by the indomitable Femke den Haas. The sanctuary, a haven for animals rescued from the brutal illegal wildlife trade, is both a beacon of hope and a stark reminder of human cruelty. Kurzel doesn’t shy away from showing the harrowing realities—trafficked animals, some mutilated, like Rina, an armless primate, or Erin, an elephant missing part of her trunk. These scenes are tough to watch, but they’re essential.
Kurzel’s directorial style elevates Ellis Park beyond a standard documentary and the cinematography captures the wild beauty of Sumatra’s rainforests and the quiet intimacy of Ellis’s hometown. Editor Nick Fenton deserves praise for stitching together these disparate threads—Ellis’s life, the sanctuary’s mission, and the gum’s symbolic journey—into a cohesive narrative. The film feels like a road trip, meandering yet purposeful, guided by Ellis’s larrikin charm and Kurzel’s artistic vision.
Ellis Park is a testament to the power of collective action and individual passion. For fans of The Dirty Three or Nick Cave, it offers a rare glimpse into the soul of a musical genius; for those unfamiliar with Ellis, it’s an inspiring introduction to a man whose creativity extends far beyond the stage.
Ellis Park arrives at Luna palace Cinemas Thursday 12th June.
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