The Dead Lands- Acting Performances

The film ‘The Dead Lands’ provided a great opportunity for New Zealand actors and actresses to be seen on the big screen, although some of the actors have already had experience in other big New Zealand films such as The Lord of the Rings, Boy, and The Dark Horse.

The key aspect that will be discussed in this blog is the acting performances by two of the main actors in the film ‘The Dead Lands.’

Hongi, played by James Rolleston, is out for vengeance for the death of his people and most importantly his father. He seeks the help of a feared monster known as The Warrior (Lawrence Makoare), to kill Wīrepa (Te Koha Tukaha) and his men.

Learning a script in a differnt language would be difficult for anyone to do, and this was a challenge that some of the cast members had to face during the production of this film.

Makoare doing the Pukana, as The Warrior

One of those that had to learn Te Reo Māori was Lawrence Makoare, who acted as The Warrior. It was said by Tainui Stephens, the co-producer of the film, “His Darling tells me that every night Lawrence is up working hard on learning his script”. (YouTube; Waka Huia: 2014)

When watching the film you wouldn’t think that Makoare had to learn how to read and then later perform the Māori words he is speaking. He is one of those actors that will push themselves to give the best results in front of the camera. The Warrior is a feared monster and Makoare excelled in achieving this. His facial expressions, body stance, and the execution of the script brings his character to life on the screen.

Rolleston with director Toa Fraser

Moving on to talking about Hongi himself. James Rolleston was only 16 years old when the film was shot, but he played Hongi in such a mature way that it made viewers feel like he was a lot older, even though Hongi is the same age. When we first saw Hongi sneeking up behind Wīrepa and then when his life is in danger of being sacrificed for crimes he didn’t commit, Rolleston showed us the innocence and youth of Hongi. Rolleston played his role really well, and through his convincing performance as the storyline unfolds, we see that Hongi evloves into an intelligent young chief, appeasing the spirits of the ancestors, and following in the footsteps of his father to lead his people safely into the future.

The acting performances of both of these actors exudes ihi (power),wehi (awe), and mana (prestige) as they bring their characters to life on the screen in a way that makes us believe they could very well have lived, and died, in 16th century Aotearoa.

Referencing:

Corrigan T, and Patricia White. The Film Experience; An Introduction: Third Edition. Boston, New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2012.

Wakahuiatv. “The Dead Lands- NZ Māori Feature film- Waka Huia Special.” YouTube, published October 25^th 2014. Accessed 17^th April 2015, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqaQ9b7VSOs