Strata

In this riff on the European art film, a loner vulcanologist (British actor Nigel Davenport) roams the Volcanic Plateau, followed by a writer (Australian Judy Morris) and a photographer (John Banas). Roaming nearby are five escapees from a quarantine facility. Geoff Steven's moody tale marked an early departure from the realism of the Kiwi movie renaissance (e.g. Steven’s Skin Deep). Stevens wrote it with Czech New Wave figure Ester Krumbachova, aided by Czech-Kiwi Michael Havas. Mike Nock handles the piano score; as the opening sequence reveals, White Island provides some of the film's most imposing images.

I've grown accustomed to the comfort of speaking with somebody.

– Victor (Nigel Davenport) hints that he's going to miss Margaret (Judy Morris)

Key Cast & Crew

John Banas

As: Steve

Mary Regan

As: Gaylene

Roy Billing

As: Keith

John Maynard

Producer

Leon Narbey

Cinematographer

Geoff Steven

Director, Writer, As: Photographer at book launch