Turkey Shoot is a classic Australian film released in 1982. The film takes place in a dystopian future and is a great example of Australian exploitation cinema. The film was directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith and is full of the kind of carnage one would expect to see in a cult classic of this era. Turkey Shoot was produced during the Australian film tax exemption scheme and was among a number of great films to be born from pure imagination and free range that caught audiences attention with blood, gore and women. It is a true cult classic and masterfully captures Australian culture. The cast was a mix of international actors and Australian soap opera stars and television personalities. At the time it was labeled as "easily the cheapest and nastiest piece of mainstream celluloid ever stitched together by our [Australia's] mad cinematic scientists." Turkey Shoot ruffled a great many feathers in the main stream media as it was notable for its extreme violence and sadistic prison sequences. The plot resolved around a totalitarian near future where 'social deviants' were sent to prison camps for re-education and behaviour modification.
The new arrivals at Camp 47 are Chris Walters (Olivia Hussey), a shopkeeper accused of helping a rebel; Rita Daniels (Lynda Stoner), a suspected sex worker; and Paul Anders (Steve Railsback), a dissident who has escaped from several other camps. After suffering brutal treatment at the hands of Camp Master Charles Thatcher (Michael Craig) and his chief enforcer, Ritter (Roger Ward), the prisoners accept a deadly deal. However they soon find themselves the prey in a 'turkey shoot' that Thatcher has organised for Secretary Mallory (Noel Ferrier), and VIPs Jennifer (Carmen Duncan) and Tito (Michael Petrovich). If they can evade the heavily armed guests in the surrounding jungle until sundown, Chris, Rita and Paul will be set free. As the 'turkey shoot' progresses, the tables are turned and the prisoners become the hunters culminating in a free for all showdown to the death.
The film is a great example of the freedom Australian filmmakers were allowed to get away with. Using tax payer money to fund something so violent, sexists and down right wrong somehow makes it all alright. Australia makes far less films these days and none will ever take as great a risk as Turkey Shoot. This film is by far one of the rear gems that birthed from a time where Australian film making produced a wide range of cinema classics. Turkey Shoot is a must see for any Australian and for anyone who loves a good bloody action film.
Turkey Shoot has great effects and a classic story. Four stars out of five.
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