TrevorJD Reviews

Hollywood (2020)

Entertaining social commentary of Hollywood through a revisionist history

[2 May 2020]

HOLLYWOOD - Just binge watched this entire series on Netflix in one go this morning! Quite an entertaining series that is however sometimes a bit cheesy. Mostly set in an alternate post-war Hollywood i.e. if a woman was made head of a film studio at that time in the 1940s! It brings in real characters such as Rock Hudson, Vivien Leigh, George Cukor, Noel Coward, Tallulah Bankhead...the list goes on. A lot of the background is based on truth in order to create this revisionist Hollywood history. The highlight, and most moving moment, for me was when Hattie McDaniel (played by Queen Latifah) who was the first person of colour to win an Oscar, for 'Gone with the Wind', explains what happened to her at the ceremony in 1940. It was staged in a segregated hotel and she was relegated to a separate area. She thought her life and those for women of colour would change when she won the Oscar, however they would end up continuing playing maids, much like her character in Mamy. Queen Latifah's beautiful performance makes Hattie's character quite strong willed, unashamed and boisterous. Another true life character it utilises is that of Chinese-American actress Anna May Wong, who lost out to British - German actress Luis Rainer for the lead role in the Good Earth - a story about a struggling Chinese family before World War 1. Ann May Wong's snub has been heralded as one of the most notorious cases of racial discrimination in casting to happen in Hollywood, and the scene in this series where Anna May watches as Luis Rainer collects her Oscar is quite powerful. There is also the sexual politics of the time, not only of having a woman in power (Patti Lupone in a great performance); but also being gay in a Hollywood that was driven by powerful straight white men who wanted to reflect a monocultural white society that didn't exist. There is a plethora of references to real people and characters from that time in this series that makes it so interesting.

Danger Close (2019)

Recommended - moving and technically brilliant

[9/10 · 15 June 2019]

Went to the first public screening at the Sydney Film Festival tonight with members of my family and sat in the front row in a packed cinema. Director Kriv Stenders has taken a big undertaking in telling this highly recognised Australian and New Zealand battle of the Vietnam War that has however been long overdue in getting a major screen treatment. He has succeeded brilliantly. The film's relentless action and attention to detail are mixed in with moving scenes of young conscripts and volunteer soldiers grappling to stay alive in order to return to their loved ones at home. Much like Peter Weir's Gallipoli the mateship ethos shines in this movie. However, unlike that film, most of Danger Close concentrates on the battle itself, and what a technically amazing film it is in presenting and creating a visceral and tense atmosphere for the audience.The performances are excellent all round but particular mention must go to Daniel Webber as Private Paul Large, his moving portrayal of a young conscript struggling and battling courageously to help his mates and himself survive, while looking forward to returning home to his fiance and family is brilliant. As noted earlier the action in this film is relentless, from start to finish, however it never ignores the humanity and futility of war through the loss of life of many young soldiers. The roll call of ANZAC soldiers who died in the battle, noted at the end of the film with their ages, makes that abundantly clear. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

120 BPM (2017)

Highly Recommended - One of the best films of the year

[9/10 · 16 August 2017]

TThis is one of the best films of the year. 120 Beats Per Minute dramatises a dramatic few (early) years of ACT UP Paris, a direct action AIDS advocacy group. The film opens by initially presenting many different participants in meetings and demonstrations to give an understanding of the diversity of the people affected by AIDS and the group itself. It then hones in on two main protagonists – Sean and Nathan. Sean is HIV positive yet starting to develop AIDS. His fiercely political and personal fight against AIDS, ignorance, fear and the lack of interest from Government, pharmaceutical companies and the general public to their personal plight is heightened by the growing number of deaths decimating the gay community around him and the little time he may have to live. Nathan is a new member to ACT UP, HIV negative, yet quickly learning about HIV, AIDS, drug interactions, scientific analysis, and the political and social landscape of AIDS. He eventually falls in love with Sean, and will eventually have to take care of him much earlier than expected. Both men are in their early 20's when we meet them and this is probably the most heartbreaking and devastating aspect of the film and its story- that this disease claimed so many young lives within a society that for the most part did not care about their plight and stigmatised them because they were gay, had AIDS, and / or did not like their sexual practices. The film follows ACT UP meetings, protest rallys and demonstrations (which are both shocking and humorously presented); alongside Sean and Nathan's growing relationship. One scene in particular I will never forget - when they gate crash a class at a high school to inform the students about safe sex, as nobody was informing them because of the sexual nature, and the camera keeps on returning to one young student mesmerised by the groups actions; showing how they did have an impact through their presence. All the performances are beautifully rendered, and while the running time may seem long it is understandable when seen in context with the emotionally powerful last quarter of the film. This film was an experience that haunted me for days afterward. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Red Dog: True Blue (2016)

A more personal story than the original

[8/10 · 26 December 2016]

This prequel to Red Dog is a more personal story than the original hit film. While it is not as humorous as Red Dog, it is still an entertaining family film and well worth seeing. The movie primarily follows the story of a young boy named Mick in 1969, who is sent to a remote homestead in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia to stay with his Grandfather, while his mother is recovering in a facility. Mick, while dealing with the remoteness of the region; and the remoteness of his grandfather (wonderfully played by Bryan Brown), stumbles across a red puppy, initially covered in blue slime , after a major storm. The film charts their journey, often humorously, in becoming best friends. Being set primarily in 1969 the film is filled with wonderful characters that often reflect the changing times - A young recently returned Vietnam soldier, who sings and plays guitar except when the dog howls with him which, much to his disdain, is often! A pretty female teacher who wants to go to San Francisco and be part of 'The Summer of Love' , and there is a wonderful Chinese cook who always walks around with an umbrella! More interesting are the characters reflecting the changing times within the region and Australia in general - particularly an Aboriginal Jackaroo who sees a future for his people in Aboriginal land rights; And a scene where Lang Hangcock , a friend of Mick's Grandad, stops in and tells a young Mick how there is a future in Iron Ore in the region! For it is not only in the Australian landscape and lingo that the film reflects Australia, but also in the social changes that were happening within the country at the time that would have impacts on the Australian economy, Aboriginal people, women, and the changing landscape of Australian politics and the land. The film may pack too much in its short running time but it's worth seeing.

Downriver (2015)

Tense film mystery

[8/10 · 27 February 2016]

If Stephen King wrote a novella set in Australia this would be its love child! However we are not in the state of Maine, but in a river town in Australia. Young James has served his time for allegedly drowning a boy when he was only a child and is being released; the body of the boy however was never found. James, having little memory of what occurred on the day, goes in search of answers and hence back to the river town where the incident occurred. This tense film mystery is at times quite macabre and often brutal, but through it's wonderful lead actor Reef Ireland it also has emotional depth. This is an auspicious feature debut for director Grant Scicluna, who also wrote the screenplay; his sense in creating such a dark and intense mood throughout the film is quite an achievement. Kudos must also be given to Tom Green who plays James' mysterious and troubled childhood friend, and of course the great Kerry Fox who plays James' mother. I saw the film recently at a film festival in Sydney to a packed audience, where it was warmly received. It deserves a much wider audience.

Beautiful Something (2015)

A disarming film well worth your time...

[8/10 · 27 February 2016]

I saw this at the Sydney Mardi Gras film festival 2016 to a packed audience who seemed to appreciate this disarming film - judging by the closing applause, and comments I heard while the audience was walking out of the cinema. Set over one night in an urban city it follows the movement of a few gay men of different age ranges, and ethnically diverse, yet all with backgrounds in art or literature; and all looking to connect emotionally (and often physically). It is a beautiful film with good performances and one that keeps you entranced and emotionally connected with the characters – hence a very disarming film. Well worth your time.

Hail, Caesar! (2016)

Those who love the 'Golden Years of Hollywood' are going to love this movie

[8/10 · 27 February 2016]

Joel and Ethan Coen have made both a reverent and irreverent look at the Hollywood Studios in the 50's, an era that was going through a huge change for the film industry. Those who love the 'Golden years of Hollywood' are going to LOVE this film, others are going to be bored! The Hollywood system at the time would go to any lengths to protect their stars, and the hypocrisy within that system is laid bare in this movie. There are references to the Hollywood 10, characters who have similarities to Esther Williams, Loretta Young, Gene Kelly and Hedda Hopper; and even the film Ben Hur (the title of the movie refers to a film they are making called 'Hail Caesar – A Tale of the Christ'!). There is an hilarious scene where Channing Tatum (playing a Gene Kelly character) and a chorus of sailors sing and dance to a musical number about missing their 'dames', despite the fact the men are joyously camping it up and dancing with their male companions. It is not a laugh out loud movie but one I was grinning from ear to ear throughout!

The Hateful Eight (2015)

Western and the conventions of Cinema

[8/10 · 25 January 2016]

Tarantino's the 'Hateful Eight' maybe a western but it constantly draws our attention to the conventions or mechanics of cinema. Why else would Tarantino film a movie in Ultra Panavision 70mm and comprise most of the shots indoors, a question that a lot of reviewers seem to be asking. The stunning music score by Ennio Morricone, apparently the first music score for a 'western' he has done in 35 years, makes us aware of the use of music in cinema from its dramatic opening score. Title cards that separate the film into chapters, make us aware of the conventions of the screenplay; and at one point a voice-over appears describing a characters motives. There is also the staginess of the film set within one area that makes us aware of the use of mise en scene (Tarantino may turn the Hateful 8 into a stage play); along with a couple of surprises in the latter part of the film that also draw our attention to the stage and the use of mise en scene. Most evidently though, Tarantino seems to have separated the 'plot' from the 'story', by making the first two thirds of the movie the 'story', and the last third the 'plot', creating a whodunit western! The Hateful Eight is an intriguing piece of cinema.

Holding the Man (2015)

Powerful and moving film of Tim Conigrave's well loved memoir

[9/10 · 12 August 2015]

Director Neil Armfield, who was at the charity screening of 'Holding the Man' I went to tonight, took a huge undertaking when he decided to direct the film of Tim Conigrave's autobiographical novel (A memoir that was an ode to Conigrave's lover and partner John Caleo). As Conigrave's book became such a well loved novel, and later a successful and highly regarded stage play. And now I am proud to say a very powerful and moving film.

The film 'Holding the Man' is filled with scenes that have such a strong emotional truth to them. Particularly for a gay man like myself, who experienced those years in the 80's and early 90's when AIDS took the lives of many friends and acquaintances; and when fear and ignorance of AIDS, and towards gay men, was the norm rather than the exception. However the centre of Conigrave's memoir was a love story that lasted 15+ years, and Ryan Corr (The Water Diviner, Banished, Love Child, ) and Craig Stott bare all in brilliant performances. Corr as the loud and opinionated Tim, and Stott as amiable and quiet John create an amazing chemistry on screen, and one that will earn them universal praise. However the great performances also extend to a roll call of top Australian acting talent that includes Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, Anthony Lapaglia, Kerry Fox and Marcus Graham among many others. With a film spanning the 70's, 80's and 90's, it also has a great soundtrack of hits from the era.

Tim Conigrave died 10 days after writing 'Holding the Man', He probably had no understanding what a huge impact his book would have had on so many people across the world.

Read the book and go see this great Aussie movie.

Eastern Boys (2013)

Intense and moving film - Recommended.

[8/10 · 9 June 2014]

I saw this at the Sydney Film Festival 2014. The film is engrossing, funny, moving and often very intense. The story concerns an older man, Daniel, who picks up a young male prostitute from Eastern Europe at a train station in France. The young male prostitute, Marek, is there illegally; living with a gang of other illegal Eastern Europeans, mainly young men, who survive through criminal activities, particularly stealing. They of course steal from Daniel at his home, when he gives Marek his address to hook up. The opening half hour that introduces us to the characters at the train station and the scene where Daniel has his property stolen while he is in the house is mesmerizing. As the film progresses, Daniel develops, extraordinarily, a relationship with the young Marek. Through this relationship we develop an understanding of Marek's background and the problems faced with illegal migrants; particularly in regard to being manipulated and susceptible to criminal activity in order to survive, as seen through Marek's relationship with his gang of young men. The performances are very good, particularly from Daniil Vorobyov, who plays 'Boss', the leader of the gang - he makes you believe the magnetism he holds over this group of young men. Recommended.

Footloose (2011)

Cut loose and see Footloose 2011!

[7/10 · 3 October 2011]

Preview screening on Monday 3 October 2011: I saw the original version of Footloose as a teenager and quite enjoyed it, particularly the music. As a result the film and its soundtrack will forever remind me of my adolescence. I would not have thought 27 years later that I would be sitting in a cinema watching a remake of it but hence I did and thoroughly enjoyed it. Quite a few of the songs from the original movie are still in this version, and while the story is still basically the same the film contains more racially diverse characters (something that was sadly lacking from the original) and a fairly snappy script. The original of course made a big star out of Kevin Bacon in the main role of Ren McCormack, and Kenny Wormald fills those shoes very well. His pretty boy looks and great dance moves will only get him so far but thankfully he can also act. Julianne Hough as the rebellious preacher's daughter looks beautiful and does an admirable job as Ariel. However it is Miles Teller as Willard, Ren's friend who cannot dance, that almost steals the movie. Willard's self deprecating hick southern character is played with much style by Teller. Dennis Quaid as Reverend Shaw Moore is suitably morose as the preacher / father in support of the ban on dancing in the little town of Boton, though I thought John Lithgow encapsulated the character better in the original. Craig Brewer who wrote and directed 2005's acclaimed Hustle and Flow has done a very good job with this remake of Footloose and the audience I saw it with seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. So cut loose and see Footloose 2011 as it is a very enjoyable and entertaining movie.

Animal Kingdom (2010)

A complex story worthy of a Greek Tragedy!

[9/10 · 7 August 2010]

This is a very good film though not for everybody (particularly as it is peopled with predominantly unlikeable characters). However the characters are very well constructed and the performances amazing . Ben Mendlesohn as the alpha male of the family, is menacing and disturbing as Uncle 'Pope'; his casual use of violence and the persuasive way he utilizes family members to inflict murder is horrifying when seen within the Aussie suburban milieu. Jacki Weaver is astonishing as the passive/aggressive mother, particularly when she sees her family pack being threatened from outside and within, her coldly calculating behavior becomes menacingly clear in the second half. What is astonishing about this film is how they managed to transform a tale about a little family of suburban criminals into a complex story worthy of a Greek tragedy, it is a masterstroke.

What Love Means (2008 TV Movie)

Fascinating, engrossing and crammed with incident - RECOMMENDED!

[9/10 · 1 March 2009]

I just saw this film as part of the 2009 Mardi Gras Film Festival here in Sydney. It was an engrossing movie / television drama that went for over 3 hours and was presented in two parts. The movie, for the most part, charts the AIDS epidemic in France from 1980 – present through the microcosm of a family, but particularly through their gay son Nicolas, who narrates the story. There are many characters and story lines in the course of this historical drama, and the film is crammed with incident and covers many issues associated with HIV / AIDS and aligning it with political and social changes that were happening in France and the world. Part one of the movie was rather polemical, however the second part was heartbreaking and moving. All the performances were excellent, with a great soundtrack of the changing times. The only reservation I had was the ending. This movie was utterly fascinating and engrossing from start to finish. Recommended.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Both heartbreaking and uplifting!

[10/10 · 13 December 2008]

This film encapsulates the predominant feeling and impression I have had about India ever since I travelled through it – that it is the people's thirst for life despite incredible adversity that so endears me about the country. There are scenes in this film that are absolutely devastating and others that will make your heart soar, often at the same time! Particularly the scenes involving the protagonists as children - one scene in particular will haunt me forever and gave me a devastating new insight into the world of child beggars. Be warned, you are going to cry in this film. I did. The film follows the story of Jamal and his brother Salim, reflected through the Hindi version of 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire'(!), the major quiz show that Jamal manages to appear and become a national hero on. As the show's host cannot understand how a 'slumdog' like Jamal can have the answer to all the questions, he is brutally interrogated by a couple of security officers as to HOW he knows the answers. It is through Jamal's life experiences that he knows the answers, and we uncover it in the film through flashbacks. It is a life that involves abject poverty, religious violence, crime, love and many other 'life' experiences that we witness through Jamal and his brother Salim's life; and also through the relationship with his lifelong love, Latika. The performances all round are excellent, the cinematography mesmerising, and the script both absurdly hilarious and heartbreakingly real. How the two brothers manage to survive is extraordinary, much like the film itself. This film has already won a slew of Audience and Critics awards and has recently been nominated for Best Picture and Best Director at the Golden Globes. It deserves every one of them.

Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt (1989)

Inspirational and packs an emotional wallop!

[10/10 · 5 December 2008]

On the 20th Anniversary of World AIDS Day I sat down and watched this profoundly moving documentary that packs as much of an emotional wallop now as it did when I first saw it back in the very early 90's – I cried my eyes out. It was a time when many of my friends and acquaintances were suffering and dying from AIDS and many others were living with HIV. A time before combination therapy and drugs - for those who are able to access and afford them - helped prolong the lives of people living with HIV. The 'storytellers' are everyday people whose lovers, friends or family died of AIDS and who found an outlet to remember them and deal with their grief through the Quilt project. Their stories are inspirational, and the film beautifully constructed. Highly Recommended.

The Orphanage (2007)

Creepy to macabre to horrifying!

[9/10 · 13 June 2008]

This was a rather appropriate film to see on Friday the 13th! 'The Orphanage' centers around a mother, Laura, who moves in to an old disused orphanage, with her husband Carlos and young son Simon, to renovate it and hopefully use it to take care of sick and disabled children . Laura was partly raised in the orphanage but was adopted out at a young age. This is all I should tell you about the film as there is much to be uncovered and quite a few surprises in the course of the story. There were many times during the course of the film I felt a tense and tingling fear creep through my body and the film moves from creepy to macabre to horrifying. The performances are splendid, particularly from Belen Rueda who plays Laura. And it was a pleasure to see the great (and unfortunately rarely seen) Geraldine Chaplin playing a psychic in one of the film's best scenes. Go see this film if you dare!

Hunger (2008)

Visual and aural assault on the senses

[8/10 · 11 June 2008]

Sydney Film Festival 2008 – I was looking forward to seeing Hunger at the Sydney Film Festival as it had just recently won the Camera d'Or (best first feature) at Cannes. The subject matter also seemed interesting being about Bobby Sands, the IRA hunger striker who starved to death in a Northern Ireland Prison in 1981 (more prisoners died after him). What I was not expecting was the aural and visual assault on the senses that this film puts the viewer through from the opening scenes. This is a brutal, unflinching and often unnerving film to watch that concentrates on the experiences of the prisoners and guards and of course in particular Bobby Sands at the prison in Northern Ireland. To give an example, when the prisoners refuse to wash they smear excrement over the walls, refuse to wear clothes and pile their rotting food in clumps around their cell as maggots crawl out. All of this is shown with unflinching clarity. The scene where Bobby is thrown out of his cell and washed by the guards is so brutally realistic that I could almost feel the punches and bruises inflicted on his body. The assault on our senses is exacerbated by long periods of little dialog at one point followed by one long scene of continuous conversation when Bobby's priest tries to explain to him that the hunger strike he intends on undertaking will be fruitless, a scene that is filmed in one continuous shot. Actor Michael Fassbender gives an astonishing performance as Bobby Sands, particularly the scenes of him wasting away during the hunger strike. While I certainly could not say I enjoyed the film it is certainly an engrossing film and one that is not easy to forget!

Salute (2008)

Moving and Timely Documentary

[8/10 · 8 June 2008]

I have just come from the world premiere of 'Salute' here at the Sydney Film Festival where it received a standing ovation by some members of the audience. The film is a documentary on the events surrounding a famous incident at the 1968 Olympic games in Mexico that also became a photographic icon - at their medal ceremony United States Olympic track athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their black glove fists in salute against the inequality and black poverty at home (they also did not wear shoes, only socks). In particular the film is about the lesser known Australian Peter Norman, the silver medalist in that race who knew the injustice that was being felt by his fellow athletes (along with the people of Mexico where student protesters had recently been murdered by the military) and how he could, through this little patch of podium, show his solidarity with their plight by wearing a human rights badge (Australia too had the discriminatory White Australia policy and had only recently at the time given their indigenous aboriginal population the vote). It is a straightforward, timely and very moving documentary with interviews from various athletes of the time that also takes a critical look at the fallout of their stand - Norman was reprimanded and ostracized, Smith and Carlos were ostracized and suspended. There are many moments of humor throughout, particularly when Norman was asked by a reporter how would the Olympics have been affected if the African American athletes had boycotted them in protest, his reply – I would have won gold! Australian Peter Norman along with Tommie Smith and John Carlos should be admired and remembered. Highly Recommended

Amazing Grace (2006)

Powerful and moving film!

[9/10 · 4 August 2007]

This is a great and powerful film. One of the most moving films I have seen in years (This film literally brought tears of joy to my eyes by the end of the film!). One that will hopefully receive a lot of accolades comes Awards time. It is beautifully directed and written, with exceptional acting and stunning cinematography. In fact I was amazed how a film that follows the true story of a British Parliamentarian, who in the 19th century ended his country's involvement in the African slave trade through legislation, could be so moving.

The film follows the story of William Wilberforce's battle in parliament against slavery, yet initially opens with his struggle on whether he should follow his (rather lately realized) faith by becoming a preacher or continue in politics. This is dealt with quite humorously and expediently with the help of his friend William Pitt (the Younger) who would later become the youngest Prime Minister in Britain's History. Pitt tells him you can either praise God or change the world. Wilberforce decides to do the latter. In fact Pitt becomes his strongest ally in the fight against the slave trade and constantly goads him forward. It is through sparkling dialog and some of the most beautifully realized characterizations that I have seen in years that this film shines. Ioan Gruffudd does a sterling job as the humble (and at times very ill) William Wilberforce. And he is supported by an amazing cast including Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Rufus Sewell, Youssou N'dour; and Romola Garai who plays Wilberforce's supportive and strong willed wife Barbara.

La Vie En Rose (2007)

Amazing life story

[8/10 · 16 July 2007]

I must first say I thoroughly enjoyed this film.It fascinated me throughout. I knew little about 'the Little Sparrow', Edith Piaf, before seeing this film except for a few songs that she was renowned for. This woman had a hard life! From a life of abject poverty as a child to becoming one of the world's most renowned singers this film traces her highs and lows (particularly her lows). Her mother left her as a child to fend for herself. Her father eventually took her, only to dump her with his mother (Piaf's grandmother) who was a brothel owner! Piaf's father would also later exploit her in his acts.Throughout her childhood she was riddled with disease and sickness and was blind for a short while. Later she became a drug addict, an alcoholic and...well the list of tragedy just continues (till her death at the early age of 47). And this film charts it all. Well you may ask how I could 'enjoy' such a movie? First and foremost is the performance of Marion Cotillard as Piaf. She is extraordinary showing Piaf's zest for life despite all the tragedy. Then of course there is the wonderful music, including the amazingly staged performance to 'non je ne regrette'. The wonderful cinematography. And of course the amazing life story of Edith Piaf that is crammed with incident. However I was not entirely happy with the film's construction. While bio pics do not need to show a person's life in chronological order, and this film certainly goes against that, there is one dramatic and important part of her early life that is uncovered to the audience near the end of the movie, yet it is presented with little detail in just a short few scenes. 'La Vie En Rose' packs a lot of Piaf's life within its 140 minute running time, yet I left the cinema asking questions about certain scenes in the film that were presented without any context. Despite this 'La Vie En Rose' is one of the best films I have seen this year.

The Final Winter (2007)

Excellent Aussie Film

[9/10 · 25 June 2007]

I saw this movie yesterday evening where it had its premiere as part of the Sydney Film Festival. It was with much anticipation and a great deal of interest that I went to see this film, as there have been few Australian films centered around Rugby League (as opposed to AFL or Australian Rules Football - The Club, Australian Rules, The Great McCarthy etc). I was not disappointed. 'The Final Winter' is set in the early 1980's and follows the story of Grub, a working class married father of two who has been a loyal player for the Newtown Jets for many years. Grub finds himself at a crossroad in his life when the the teams administration decides that they do not need him and are moving towards a corporate style of management particularly in regard to their players. The film follows his journey, with the help of family and friends, as he reassesses his priorities and how he has defined himself. While the film is essentially a drama there are plenty of comic moments with cameos by some well known Rugby greats. And while the performances are excellent all round particular mention must go to Matt Nable's moving performance as Grub; and Raelee Hill as his wife Emma, her performance is astonishing in a film predominated by men. However it must be said that all the female characters in the film are strongly drawn or written, which is refreshing and gives the film a complexity and depth that other films, that center around all male sport teams, have lacked. There is a great soundtrack of early 80's Aussie songs to help recreate the era and set the mood. In particular 'Short Note' by Matt Finnish. At the end of the screening the audience was informed in a Q & A that the film has been picked up by Paramount. I am not surprised. This is a film which should get a wide release and deserves success. Recommended.

Wake in Fright (1971)

DVD release?

[28 November 2004]

I have been wanting to see this film again for many years. Now that the negative has been recovered hopefully it will get a new lease of life, similar to the many other classic Australian films that have been re-released recently on DVD here in Australia. In a year (2003-4) when Australian films have fared poorly at the box office, particularly on a local level, it is worth looking back at a film like 'Wake in Fright' and understand that some of the best Australian films are the ones that look critically at life in Australia (in all its diversity) and at the mythologies that are generally perceived as representative of Australian national culture. In the case of 'Wake in Fright' it took a foreign director with a wonderful Australian cast to do that.

Jack (2004 TV Movie)

An entertaining film with alot of heart.

[9/10 · 19 February 2004]

'Jack' is a pleasant surprise as not many people (me included) had heard of it before. It is a perceptive film about a teenager coming to terms with different aspects of life. In particular the realization that his father is gay. The film has great performances all round; especially Ron Silver as the father. 'Jack' is an entertaining film with alot of heart.

The Road to Love (2001)

Extraordinary film on sexuality and culture

[10/10 · 19 February 2004]

I saw this film last night as part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Film Festival 2004. It is an extraordinary thesis on islamic homosexuality and a love story. The story concerns a heterosexual french algerian muslim student, Karim, who after seeing a story on television about gay men in Egypt decides to do a video thesis on homosexuality and islam. In the process he discovers his sexuality and falls in love with a gay arab man (Farid) that is one of his interviewees. The movie is about an issue rarely explored in any great detail in cinema and the movie covers and explores many sensitive topics with such skill.It is also a movie full of sensuality and tenderness. When Karim goes to Morocco with Farid we see a part of the country and culture rarely seen. And through Karim, Farid and all his interviewees in 'Tarik El Hob', a sensitive and powerful masculinity and culture rarely explored in cinema. For this avid moviegoer this film was groundbreaking. A must see.

Nowhere in Africa (2001)

The best film I have seen in years...

[10/10 · 25 June 2003]

I have never posted anything on this site but i had to for this film as it is without a doubt the best film I have seen in years (and I have seen many recent films). The performances and cinematography are faultless. No movie in recent memory has moved me as much as this film. While the film is about a Jewish family that moves to Kenya in Africa to escape the holocaust it's themes of identity, acceptance, difference and tolerance are universal and beautifully handled .Forgive me from quoting from one of the advertisements of the movie but sometimes 'home' maybe a place where you least expect it.