Mad Dog – Der Rebell (1976)

Mad Dog – Der Rebell: Directed by Philippe Mora. With Dennis Hopper, Jack Thompson, David Gulpilil, Frank Thring. The true story of Irish outlaw Daniel Morgan, who is wanted, dead or alive, in Australia during the 1850s.

“Philippe Morau0026#39;s film has more often than not been categorized as a western but might as well be called a political drama. The central character, the famous bushranger Daniel u0026#39;Mad Dogu0026#39; Morgan becomes a bandit as a result of the harsh treatment the racist and unfair government doles out to the poor and ethnic minorities in Victorian Australia. The extremities of this injustice is made clear when a Chinese settlement is burned down -without there being any notable sanctions- while Daniel Morgan is locked up for six years for stealing some clothes. The victim of condoned rape and torture in prison, Morgan swears to revenge himself on society and becomes a sort of down under Robin Hood, much loved by the common people.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThose who love smooth Hollywood storytelling will not be entertained by the rambling structure of this film. However, there are moments of rough and ready poetry to be had for those who care to take a chance and watch something out of the ordinary. Morganu0026#39;s friendship with Billy, a young aboriginal who saves his life and becomes his partner in crime, lends a strong, anti racist statement to the film which is quite unique. The script is very fragmentary, only dealing with the highlights of Morganu0026#39;s career. Still, the sober treatment of the story and balanced portrayal of the banditu0026#39;s growing frustration with the law and life itself, makes for compelling watching. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eDennis Hopper was never better than in this part. The transformation from excitable but honest and friendly Irish immigrant to desperate and saddened outlaw, hunted down by the police and tired of running, is minimally but very persuasively handled. Those of you who are familiar with the sentimental nature of the Irish, will recognize Hopperu0026#39;s truthful treatment of the character.”