Educational and entertaining, Cane Toads: The Conquest offers an impartial, multi-headed and often funny look at the takeover of the great southern land by slimy, four legged monsters.
Writer/director Mark Lewis first documented the Australian conquest of the cane toad back in 1989, with his short Cane Toads: An Unnatural History (often cited by Werner Herzog as one of his favourite movies). But even he would be staggered with the progress the cane toad has made: 70 years, 3 states, population of 1.5 billion (!) and numerous native species harmed.
Of course it is our fault. The cane toad was brought to Australia in an attempt to kill cane grubs that were chomping away at cane crops, bringing farmers to their wits end. Yet the toads couldn’t stop the grubs, and soon an “introduction” became an “invasion”, spreading from Queensland, to the Northern Territory, and recently into Western Australia.
Despite all its bad habits (and worse looks), the cane toad is a genuinely phenomenal creature, and Lewis leaves no stone unturned in exploring its history, myths, and its impact on Australia.
Yet this is a documentary that is as much about the toad’s human co-habitants. A selection of interview heads are featured, ranging from fans, haters, scientists, farmers, entrepreneurs (fancy a cane toad skin handbag?), and everyday residents.
All offer entertainment value whether through natural eccentricity or cane toad inspired tales. One story featuring a cane toad licking, toxin tripping dog a highlight.
Lewis does a great job in presenting their opinions and stories, often with re-enactments as accompaniment. Equally good is his nature shots of cane toads in action, with a memorable moment featuring what can only be described as “cane toad carpet” sure to make people shiver at the pure spectacle of it all.
In the end only one thing is certain: this is an invasion that will not die. Cane toads have survived everything nature and humans have thrown at them, including death by golf club.
Lewis seems to suggest that it’s time to dispense with the hostility, and accept the fact that Australia has been conquered. Regardless whether people can accept that or not, at least we have received a fine documentary from the whole mess. |