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Reviews
Sensing Murder: Out of Aces: Garth Doull (2007)
Alternative Title
This episode has the alternate name "The Great Pretender" and is actually episode 2.9 of Sensing Murder.
The Great Pretender episode covers the death of Garth Doull whose body was found in Wellington Harbour.
A YouTube episode carries the "Out of Aces" title. Deb Webber and Kelvin Cruickshank provide background to the mystery.
The episode aired on 30 October 2007 and is episode #20.
The last episode of season 2 contains interviews with the Sensing Murder psychics and is episode 2.11 (episode #22).
There is a total of 4 seasons of Sensing Murder.
Constructing Australia: The Bridge (2007)
The Coathanger
The story of the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, affectionately known as The Coathanger. Superbly narrated by Wendy Hughes, this docudrama covers the full history of the bridge with the social, political, economic and humour of the event all evenly salted. Great cast with strong performances from leads Bill Young and Danny Adcock whose likenesses match. Interviews with relevant personell. Footage and stills from the actual construction and actual voiceovers from relevant parties. Footage of the opening and a re-enactment of the de Groot involvement plus content from Paul Keating. Also covers the design changes and similarity to the Hells Gate Bridge.
Who Killed Dr Bogle and Mrs Chandler (2006)
A resolution of one of Australia's great mysteries.
On New Year's Day 1963 Dr Bogle and Mrs Chandler's bodies were found next to the Lane Cove river.
The condition of their bodies baffled forensic scientists for decades and since no direct motives could be established for their deaths any evidence did not elevate above the status of suspicion; both lovers had acted with the consent of their partners.
This narrated docu-drama is the first credible explanation of the tragic deaths of these two people with a possible cause of the tragedy not unknown to the locals of the area.
Some excellent images that blend perfectly with the superb and sensitive narration by Hugo Weaving.
Perfect casting, particularly for the leads, Nicholas Hope, Rhys Muldoon and Octavia Barron-Martin.
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Army Wives (1986)
Military Manouvres
This is a pivotal film which not only exposed conditions for the wives of army personnel at the time, but caused the political upheaval which went a long way to improve conditions for these women.
Improving social conditions is just about the most noble function any film can hope to perform and this one has done it well.
Written, shot and performed by some great names in Oz drama, it works with a perfect economy of dialogue and visuals. It's hard not to empathise with the positions of every character, even the hard nosed antagonists.
I saw it today and even though it's been about 10 years since my previous viewing, the film has lost nothing and subsequent viewing reveals more and more.
A marvellous production given the budget those involved worked with, and direction that put me right in the frame with every character involved.
Anne Brooksbank has a deserved reputation for writing powerful, pivotal, pertinent Australian drama, and Army Wives is no exception.
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Dating the Enemy (1996)
Through each other's eyes.
It is a rare slice of genius when a production sails by on bubbly Bringing Up Baby style wit and humour, then three days later awakens you to a beautifully simple solution to the oldest struggle of mankind, male vs female.
More than just an evening's entertainment, this film could save troubled marriages by more than just its romantic tones and ending. It can achieve it's goal by setting the realistic co-operation example that it does.
Little wonder the screenplay works as well as it does with Linda Seger as consultant.
At the core of its charm is the fact that the two leads had to work and watch each other throughout the rehearsal process, then successfully emulate each other during filming stimulating recognition in the audience, something strongly identified in all successful Australian films.
That's why in the public screenings I saw, the pencil in the hair always drew powerful laughter.
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Beneath Clouds (2002)
Sincerest form of flattery?
If Starlight Hotel(NZ)(1987) had got so much as half the recognition it deserved, Beneath Clouds would not be able to even rear its head.
Initially this ran as a most beautiful work of art, then around halfway through I began to realise I had seen it all before.
See if this sounds familiar. Starlight Hotel is a road movie about a young girl who leaves home to seek out her estranged father. She teams up with a guy who is on the run from the law and they have recurring close encounters with the law, as well as folks who help them. After you see how the leading ladies in both films are framed and the way they are placed into circumstance, the parallels become complete.
I was disappointed that this film did not make a better effort to be unique.
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The Con (1998)
Macy's Special
When this little number is screening there is no time to look away.There is not one wasted scene and no frivolous dialogue,even background babble is relevant to key events.
Like a conversation only partially overheard, the viewer sits forward in the seat closely observing in case the slightest detail gets missed.
For me this has all the wonderment of a '50s UK B&W quota quickie, and like Lola Rennt(1998) pace and a tight time limit to grab the cash or it's curtains. The Con(1998) is to me one film which I feel I have been waiting forever for someone to make and for me to see.
Like Stalag 17(1953), knowing the ending only gives a new reason for re-viewing and subsequent viewing reveals more and more detail , as well as unfolding the strong depth of character Rebecca de Mornay developed for Nancy. For me not even A Fish Called Wanda(1988) can match this one for fast paced ingenuity on the part of the leading lady.
William H Macy is brilliant,portraying the character his co-writing developed and the supporting cast seem born to play their roles.
Currently my all time favourite US film.