The Proposition 2006
Directed by
John Hillcoat
Made by
First Look International
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Proposition (2006). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Set against the rugged backdrop of the Australian outback in the 1880s, this gripping film unfolds the tragic aftermath of the Hopkins family’s gruesome rape and murder, an atrocity attributed to the notorious Burns brothers gang. The story kicks off in a brothel, where a chaotic shootout erupts between the police and Charlie Burns alongside his gang. The violence culminates in the obliteration of all gang members, leaving only Charlie and his younger sibling, Mikey.
In a desperate bid for justice, Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone) offers Charlie a chilling ultimatum: he and Mikey will be spared for their crimes if Charlie can manage to kill their older brother, Arthur (played by Danny Huston), a mercurial and vicious figure dubbed “The Dog Man” by local Aboriginal tribes. Failing to comply within nine days will result in Mikey’s execution on Christmas Day.
As the narrative progresses, we uncover Captain Stanley’s motivations—he seeks to tame the brutal Australian landscape for his frail wife, Martha (portrayed by Emily Watson), and to rectify the haunting memories of the Hopkins family, who were their friends. With a cloud of discontent growing amongst the townspeople due to Stanley’s deal with Charlie, tension escalates.
Just when matters seem dire, Stanley’s superior, Eden Fletcher (played by David Wenham), demands punishment for Mikey—one hundred lashes for the crimes of the Hopkins case. Stanley is horrified not only by the brutality but because this act threatens his agreement with Charlie and their safety. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Mikey endures a brutal flogging that leaves him gravely injured, leading Stanley to stand up against the mob, only to be overruled when Martha demands retribution.
While all this unfolds, Charlie embarks on a long journey to confront Arthur, grappling with his own demons. Along the way, he encounters Jellon Lamb (played by John Hurt), a bounty hunter chasing the Burns brothers, whom Charlie soon incapacitates. After a brutal confrontation with a group of Aboriginal men, Charlie awakens in Arthur’s camp located in desolate caves. Despite many chances to eliminate his brother, Charlie hesitates.
Meanwhile, chaos breaks out as Sergeant Lawrence and his men perpetrate violence against a group of Aborigines, eventually leading to a deadly confrontation between them and Arthur’s gang. As the narrative builds to a ferocious climax, Charlie resolves to rescue Mikey and enlists Arthur’s help in a daring jailbreak. Tragically, their escape ends in heartbreak as Mikey, still reeling from the flogging, dies in Charlie’s arms.
The stakes rise when Captain Stanley and Martha, who have become increasingly isolated, sit down for an unsuspecting Christmas dinner. However, the semblance of peace shatters abruptly as Arthur and Samuel burst in, unleashing chaos and brutality upon Stanley and Martha. Amid this horror, Charlie confronts the tragic consequences of their actions, ultimately choosing to honor both his brother and the bond they shared.
As the film culminates, Charlie finds Arthur succumbing to his wounds in the serene desolation of the outback. In a poignant moment, amidst the blood-red sunset, Arthur acknowledges his brother’s resolve, leaving Charlie to reflect on their shared past and uncertain future.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Proposition (2006) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Chaos in the Brothel
The film opens with a violent shootout in a brothel, signaling the chaotic environment of the Australian outback in the 1880s. Charlie Burns and his gang engage with the police, leading to a bloody confrontation that results in the annihilation of Charlie's crew.
Charlie and Mikey's Ultimatum
After the shootout, Captain Stanley presents a grim choice to Charlie Burns: kill his older brother Arthur or risk losing his younger sibling, Mikey. If Charlie fails to fulfill this task within nine days, Mikey will face execution on Christmas Day as punishment for the ambush on the Hopkins family.
Captain Stanley's Secret
As the story develops, we learn about Captain Stanley's true motivation behind his ultimatum. He desires to bring order to the lawless outback for the sake of his sick wife, Martha, while also seeking to make amends for the tragic fate of the Hopkins family, who were close friends.
Mikey's Brutal Punishment
Amid rising tensions from townspeople reacting to Stanley’s deal with Charlie, the captain's superior, Eden Fletcher, demands a severe punishment for Mikey, resulting in one hundred lashes. This horrific event not only inflicts physical pain on Mikey but also endangers the fragile agreement between Stanley and Charlie.
Charlie's Journey Begins
Determined to confront his brother Arthur, Charlie embarks on a perilous journey filled with internal and external conflicts. As he travels, he battles both the harsh landscape and personal demons that challenge his resolve and purpose.
Encounter with Jellon Lamb
During his journey, Charlie crosses paths with Jellon Lamb, a bounty hunter on the trail of the Burns brothers. In a twist of fate, Charlie incapacitates Lamb, thus eliminating one obstacle in his pursuit of his brother Arthur.
Arthur's Camp
Charlie finds himself awakening in Arthur's camp, which is nestled within a rugged cave system. Faced with numerous opportunities to end Arthur’s life, Charlie hesitates, grappling with feelings of loyalty and familial ties.
Confrontation with Sergeant Lawrence
As Charlie is embroiled in his personal battle, chaos erupts when Sergeant Lawrence and his men commit acts of brutality against local Aborigines. This violence escalates into a deadly altercation between Lawrence's men and Arthur's gang, intensifying the already volatile situation.
Daring Jailbreak
In a climactic turn, Charlie teams up with Arthur to orchestrate a desperate jailbreak to rescue Mikey. This daring act of audacity reflects Charlie's deep-seated desire to save his brother despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them.
Tragic Loss of Mikey
The jailbreak ends in tragedy as Mikey succumbs to the injuries inflicted upon him during his flogging. In a heartbreaking scene, he dies in Charlie's arms, leaving Charlie to grapple with profound grief and loss, shadowing the siblings’ bond.
Christmas Dinner Chaos
As Captain Stanley and Martha attempt to celebrate a peaceful Christmas, their evening is violently disrupted by Arthur and Samuel. The brutal intrusion shatters the semblance of safety, forcing all involved to confront the dire consequences of their previous actions.
Charlie’s Confrontation with Arthur
Amid the chaos of the Christmas attack, Charlie finally faces Arthur, wrestling with the weight of their shared history and the path that has led them to this moment. This confrontation acts as a catalyst for Charlie to honor both their bond and the tragic circumstances surrounding them.
Arthur's Final Moments
In a poignant conclusion, Charlie discovers Arthur wounded and succumbing amidst the stark beauty of the outback. A blood-red sunset captures the somber scene as Arthur acknowledges Charlie’s resolve, prompting deep reflection about their familial ties and uncertain futures.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Proposition (2006) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Charlie Burns (Guy Pearce)
Charlie Burns is a complex character torn between loyalty to his family and the moral implications of his actions. He is portrayed as conflicted, haunted by the violence he has witnessed and the choices he must make. His journey is both external and internal as he confronts his brother and the realities of the lawlessness around him.
Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone)
Captain Stanley is a determined yet morally conflicted lawman who seeks to impose order in a chaotic environment. His motivations are rooted in a desire to protect his wife and restore a semblance of justice. However, his methods lead to unintended consequences, revealing the complexities of his character.
Mikey Burns
Mikey Burns serves as both a victim and a catalyst for his brother Charlie’s actions. His innocence and tragic fate sharply contrast with the violent world around him, emphasizing the personal stakes in the larger conflict. His character symbolizes the collateral damage resulting from the brutal choices made by those seeking retribution.
Arthur Burns
Arthur Burns, known as 'The Dog Man,' is a mercurial figure marked by violence and a complicated relationship with his siblings. His fierce demeanor and troubled past shape his interactions with Charlie and embody the chaos surrounding their lives. Arthur represents the darker aspects of loyalty and the cost of survival.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Proposition (2006), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1880s
The 1880s in Australia were marked by the expansion of European settlements and significant tensions with Indigenous populations. This period also witnessed the rise of lawlessness in rural areas, with violent gangs and brutal policing methods becoming commonplace. The societal norms of the time often clashed with emerging ideals of justice and humanity, leading to a complex moral landscape.
Location
Australian outback
The Australian outback is a vast, remote expanse known for its rugged terrain and stunning, untouched scenery. This harsh landscape serves as the backdrop for survival and conflict, emphasizing the characters' struggles and isolation. It's famous for its red earth, dramatic sunsets, and diverse wildlife, creating a stark contrast to the human brutality depicted in the film.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Proposition (2006). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Justice
The theme of justice permeates throughout the film as characters grapple with moral dilemmas and choices. Captain Stanley's desperate attempt to impose order contrasts with the violent realities of the outback. This struggle highlights the fragility of human ethics in the face of brutality and the often disastrous consequences of vengeance.
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Tragedy
Tragedy looms over the narrative, driven by loss and familial bonds. Charlie's journey is steeped in personal sacrifice, culminating in heartbreak as he is unable to save his brother, Mikey. The intertwining tragedies of both the Burns brothers and Captain Stanley's choices reflect the harsh reality of survival and the unbearable weight of consequence.
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Isolation
Isolation is a central theme illustrated through the desolate landscape and the characters' emotional states. As they navigate a world riddled with conflict, the outback becomes a metaphor for their internal struggles. This sense of isolation amplifies their vulnerabilities, affecting their decisions and shaping their fates.
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