Lord of the Flies at Revival House Perth
Experience Peter Brook's haunting and uncompromising 1963 adaptation of William Golding's disturbing masterpiece about the thin veneer of civilization. When a group of British schoolboys are stranded on a remote island after a plane crash, their attempts at self-governance quickly descend into tribal savagery and primal violence.
Brook's stark black-and-white cinematography captures the boys' transformation from innocent children into something far more dangerous, using real schoolboys rather than professional actors to create an authenticity that's both compelling and deeply unsettling. The performances feel spontaneous and genuine, making the descent into chaos all the more believable.
Shot entirely on location in Puerto Rico, Brook's direction strips away any romantic notions of childhood innocence, revealing the darker impulses that lurk beneath society's rules. The film's exploration of power, fear, and the human capacity for evil remains as relevant today as when Golding first wrote his allegory.
The absence of adults creates a world where children must confront the fundamental questions of leadership, morality, and survival without guidance. As Ralph's democratic ideals clash with Jack's authoritarian rule, the island becomes a microcosm of civilization's eternal struggles.
This raw, powerful adaptation earned a Palme d'Or nomination at Cannes and stands as one of cinema's most faithful literary adaptations.
Presented on authentic 35mm film for the true cinematic experience!
When: Sunday, October 5th at 1:30 PM
Where: Revival House Perth
Rating: PG - Disturbing themes and violence
A chilling reminder that civilization is more fragile than we'd like to believe - essential viewing that asks uncomfortable questions about human nature and the price of power.