Meth Kelly (2020)

Meth Kelly (2020) poster

Meth Kelly explores how Australia’s colonial frontier narrative has been shaped by the imaginary heroic actions of the cult figure Ned Kelly. Through a video work projected in one of the shadowy tunnels of the ex-convict structures at Cockatoo Island, this work questions the legitimacy of Kelly’s hero status through a modern reinterpretation of his moral persona. Thornton skews the national narrative rooted in the romance of a Western, by transforming Kelly into a “meth head robbing a 7 Eleven”, placing him in a banal (sub)urban delinquent realm, far removed from cult status. Commissioned by the Biennale of Sydney.

Director: Warwick Thornton
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 5 min
Release Date:
Country: Australia
Language: English
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Warwick Thornton
More Films in Genre: Drama

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meth Kelly about?
Meth Kelly explores how Australia’s colonial frontier narrative has been shaped by the imaginary heroic actions of the cult figure Ned Kelly. Through a video work projected in one of the shadowy tunnels of the ex-convict structures at Cockatoo Island, this work questions the legitimacy of Kelly’s hero status through a modern reinterpretation of his moral persona. Thornton skews the national narrative rooted in the romance of a Western, by transforming Kelly into a “meth head robbing a 7 Eleven”, placing him in a banal (sub)urban delinquent realm, far removed from cult status. Commissioned by the Biennale of Sydney.
Who directed Meth Kelly?
Meth Kelly was directed by Warwick Thornton.
How long is Meth Kelly?
Meth Kelly has a runtime of 5m (5 minutes).
What genre is Meth Kelly?
Meth Kelly is a Drama film.
Where was Meth Kelly produced?
Meth Kelly was produced in Australia.