The Old Man and the Inland Sea Soundtrack (2005)

Synopsis

Warwick Thornton, who also directed this outstanding short film, amazingly photographed the desolate and barren landscapes around Coober Pedy. Thornton preceded international recognition in 2009 for his first feature, Samson and Delilah. Norman is a "noodler", someone who sifts through mining scrap piles looking for remnant opals in the rubble. Even if Norman qualifies for the old age pension, he would prefer not to accept the "sit money" and would rather continue to eat and be self-sufficient. Norman's reminiscences reveal his dignity and pride in his work. He reflects on his years in the Coober Pedy area, on the devastating impact of the introduction of alcohol and the social dislocation that followed for many Aboriginal people. He also talks about the greed that interrupted the life in the excavations. Norman's story is backed by a magnificent original score by the Dirty Three.

Download and play the Soundtrack list