The Tall Man

M15+, 80mins

Directed by Tony Krawitz

It can be hard for a documentary to be interesting on both an intellectual and technical level. It is especially hard when dealing with a subject such as that explored by The Tall Man, which features mostly talking head style interviews, stock police video and television news footage. Director Tony Krawitz (award winning short feature Jewboy) has done just that though with this evocative and thorough documentary that is just as tense and tightly wound as any Hollywood thriller. With the help of sun-drenched cinematography by Germain McMicking that perfectly juxtaposes the poverty-stricken Aboriginal community with the tropical postcard scenery of Palm Island on which it’s set, as well intricate, finely tuned sound design, The Tall Man weaves a gripping tale that covers race, class, politics and even love with a filmmaking skill that belies its origins. It’s one of the finest Australian films of the year.

Initially Krawitz’s documentary appears to be about Palm Island resident Cameron Doomadgee, a well-liked man with drink and violence issues, much like many of the other male residents of this small community. Alas, the “tall man” of the title refers to Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley, so called for his hulking two-metre (6’ 7”) stature, the police officer investigated over Doomadgee’s death in custody, an event that sparked widespread protests and controversy in Queensland and around the country. The events that unfold – whether you’re aware of them or not – are told in a clear and concise way that flies in the face of other documentaries that try and load their straightforward tales with all the bells and whistles that money can buy. There’s a fascinating clarity to The Tall Man, one that should speak to viewers who want to see an interesting story well told.

The Tall Man tells the 2004 story of Cameron Doomadgee’s death in custody. As it’s revealed that Doomadgee (a father and de factor husband) died of injuries sustained by the much larger policeman, Senior Sergeant Hurley became the first police officer in Queensland history to be charged with manslaughter, a crime he would later be exonerated for despite the mounting opposition and evidence. Tony Krawitz has done a sublime job in adapting Chloe Hooper’s non-fiction book and has assembled a group of interview subjects that make for constantly interesting viewing.

Perhaps even more intriguing than who he has interviewed is who he hasn’t; Senior Sergeant Hurley is nowhere to be seen here outside of official crime scene video and liberally utilised news footage taken throughout the trial. Neither he, nor any other police representative, agreed to be a part of the film, which is disappointing since Krawitz has done such a good job at at least trying to represent both sides of the argument. Their absence only further taints their reputations as guilty and manipulative. Still, even without his appearance, Krawitz has gone to great lengths to make sure audiences see Hurley in a less simplified way other than just good or evil. I hope for his sake that he appreciates what Krawitz has done.

It’s perhaps comical to suggest the film doesn’t paint anything in black and white, since the dynamic between black and white Australians is very much at the core of this film. Much like Samson & Delilah, Rabbit-Proof Fence and the upcoming Toomelah, The Tall Man explores the many ways that Aboriginal and white societies have blended – or, more to the point, failed to blend – as one. Furthermore, The Tall Man examines how selfishness has been allowed to permeate such so-called illustrious groups as the police force and the way we perceive one man’s actions because of his association to it. Is Senior Sergeant Hurley merely a victim of his own organisation’s bungling, or was he actually guilty of the crimes laid at his feet? By the end of Krawitz’s captivating and film you may have your own answer, but what should be undeniable is the skill and precision with which The Tall Man goes about probing these discussions. It’s an altogether excellent film and one that demands to be seen, preferably on the big screen where its technical credentials really shine.

The Tall Man is on limited release from 17 November, 2011 through Hopscotch Films.