Meth Kelly

Meth Kelly explores Australia's colonial frontier narrative through the lens of Ned Kelly's mythos. The film is presented as a video work projected in the shadowy tunnels of ex-convict structures at Cockatoo Island.

Director Thornton questions the legitimacy of Kelly’s hero status by portraying him as a 'meth head robbing a 7 Eleven.' This stark transformation removes him from the romanticized Western genre and places him in a mundane suburban delinquent setting, offering a fresh perspective on his moral persona. The film was commissioned by the Biennale of Sydney, further emphasizing its artistic relevance in contemporary discussions about historical narratives.