Review of Petersen

Petersen (1974)
A "they don't make movies like this anymore" film!
4 August 2000
They sure don't make films like this anymore! A good character drama, very realistic in situation and language and setting, the types that was popular in the late 60's and the 70's , but they stopped making them. When was the last time you saw a movie about one character, and his "everyday life" adventures for 100 minutes? Not in a long time!A good and well acted, very frank and very watchable character study/drama of a former sports hero who cheats on his wife, has a repair business, and is spending his money going to the University to "be something", while getting in messes that he somehow gets out of.

At the time, the film was considered a breakthrough for it had a lot of nudity, and characters speaking and doing things considered "uninhabited" in films back then, especially in Australian cinema. Times has changed, but still a very enjoyable and watchable film. Great performances by Jack Thompson as Jock, and Wendy Hughes as a Professor's wife whom he has a affair with, and rather shocking to see Thompson running around completely naked!! His character may be loud, and sometime stupid, but you cant help but like him, and wish the best for him. And kudos to Arthur Digham as a rather slimy Professor, who is married to Hughes. In fact you realize many characters around Jock might be more successful, but you can't take away the man's character and happiness. Good 70's drama!
13 out of 15 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed