Strange Bedfellows (2004)

Director:

Dean Murphy

Writers:

Stewart Faichney (written by)
Dean Murphy (written by)

Release Date:

22 April 2004 (Australia)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

They're close mates, but not that close.

Plot:

Two 'very straight' old timers have to learn how to pass as a loving gay couple after falsely claiming same-sex status to take advantage of newly legislated tax laws.

Plot Keywords:

Sydney Australia | Bar | Gay Interest | Man Pretending To Be Gay

Cast

Michael Caton	...	Ralph Williams
Alan Cassell	...	Stan Rogers
Andy Pappas	...	Post Van Driver
Paula Duncan	...	Yvonne Philpot
Roy Billing	...	Fred Coulson
Jamie Robertson	...	Carbo
Kevin Dee	...	Hughie
Paul Hogan	...	Vince Hopgood
Stewart Faichney	...	Sergeant Jack Jenkins
Simon Paton	...	Red
Shane Withington	...	Father Xavier Delaney
Monica Maughan	...	Faith
Jenny Dale	...	Local Lady
Kestie Morassi	...	Carla
Ashley Evans	...	Porn Site Boy

Also Known As:

I Now Pronounce You Vince and Ralph (UK) (new title)

MPAA:

Rated R for language.

Runtime:

100 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:M | Portugal:M/12 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Albury, New South Wales, Australia

Company:

Instinct Entertainment

Trivia:

The film that Paul Hogan's character screens is The Last of the Knucklemen (1979) which also features Michael Caton.

Movie Connections:

Features The Last of the Knucklemen (1979)

Soundtrack:

I Want That Man

reality of sexuality, twisted nicely for Middle Australia

Synopsis: A fictional and unlikely Australian Tax law has recently passed which allows all bona fide couples (including same-sex) to be treated with equity. In a small country town two good mates (men friends) have claimed desperately needed tax-relief and now must convince a Tax Inspector of their status, while trying to avoid creating a scandal in their close-knit community.

Comments: Strange Bedfellows is surprisingly enjoyable and rewarding. `Surprising' because I had dreaded that somehow Paul Hogan would stuff it up, but he does very well indeed as Vince, a man who hasn't ever fancied another man and really doesn't know where to begin. Michael Caton's Ralph is just as inexperienced in relating sexually to men, but hints at being more open to the possibility (though NEVER with Vince).

There are plenty of genuine laughs for gay & straight alike (though not always at the same time), and a rather high cringe factor in a few scenes - especially when the men are sampling `gay culture' during a whirlwind visit to Sydney.

Strange Bedfellows has it's heart in the right place, is decidedly LGBT friendly and has the same Australian cultural authenticity that made "The Castle" work so well. Of course the same strong element is shared here in the undeniably unique acting talent of Michael Caton.

This is a warmly entertaining film about the value of love and friendship. It probably qualifies as being a romantic comedy - but when Vince and Ralph share sweet memories about each other with the Tax Man you'll find there is no love lost. (8/10)