David Burton (played by Richard Chamberlain) is a protagonist in The Last Wave.
Corporate tax lawyer reluctantly assigned to defend four Aboriginal men accused of murder. Experiences intense dreams and supernatural visions, leading him to investigate Aboriginal spirituality and an impending cataclysm. He evacuates his family, ventures into underground tunnels guided by Chris Lee, discovers a prophecy and ancient relics, kills a shaman in self-defense, and ultimately faces a massive wave with shock and acceptance. Chris Lee (played by David Gulpilil) appears in The Last Wave.
An incarcerated Aboriginal man accused of murder who appears in David Burton's dreams. He serves as a spiritual guide, revealing Burton's ancestral connection to a race of spirits. He escapes prison to lead Burton to a sacred underground site where ancient prophecies and relics are revealed.
The Last Wave (1977) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
David Burton
(played by Richard Chamberlain) — protagonist
Corporate tax lawyer reluctantly assigned to defend four Aboriginal men accused of murder. Experiences intense dreams and supernatural visions, leading him to investigate Aboriginal spirituality and a...
Chris Lee
(played by David Gulpilil) — supporting
An incarcerated Aboriginal man accused of murder who appears in David Burton's dreams. He serves as a spiritual guide, revealing Burton's ancestral connection to a race of spirits. He escapes prison t...
Canonical Relationships
Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.
David Burton → Chris Lee
(Professional Lawyer And Client)
David Burton is procured through Legal Aid to defend Chris Lee and three other Aboriginal men accused of murder.
Story Analysis
A lawyer's investigation into a murder becomes a spiritual journey toward an ambiguous apocalyptic vision.
Plot Progression
Weather Beyond Explanation
The Lawyer and the Dreamer
Mulkurul and Dreamtime
Flood Beneath the City
The Face Beneath the Waves
Directed by Peter Weir
The Last Wave (1977) · 6.7/10 · drama, horror, mystery