The Scree (2004)

User Rating:

4.2/10   

Director:

Paul McDermott

Writer:

Paul McDermott (writer)

Genre:

Short

Awards:

1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Sara Groen	...	Me
Steve Abbott	...	Captain At Arms
Paul Livingston	...	Timothy Dingle
Corina Jones	...	Flea
Paul McDermott	...	Bim
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Ruth Cracknell	...	Narrator
Marcelle Lunam	...	Scenic artist
Paul McNeil	...	Scenic artist

Directed by
Paul McDermott

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Paul McDermott		writer

Produced by
Justine Kerrigan	....	producer

Cinematography by
Justine Kerrigan

Film Editing by
Christian Gazal

Casting by
Ann Robinson

Art Direction by
Karla Urizar

Set Decoration by
Hilton Elligham

Costume Design by
Fiona Holly

Makeup Department
Amanda Jeesup	....	makeup artist
Christopher Sall	....	makeup artist

Production Management
Louise McGeachie	....	unit manager
Angus Stevens	....	unit manager

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Danny Kapustin	....	first assistant director

Art Department
Robert Burton	....	art department assistant
Danielle Herrick	....	art department assistant
Michael Herrick	....	art department assistant
Rewa Nolan	....	art department assistant
Mark Redpath	....	art department assistant

Sound Department
Bruce Emery	....	stereo sound consultant: Dolby
Peter McCorquodale	....	sound mixer
Tim Trumble	....	dolby mastering
Adrian Van De Velde	....	sound

Visual Effects by
Matt Bisson	....	additional effects animator
Tony Melov	....	visual effects and animation
Tim Trumble	....	film recording technician

Camera and Electrical Department
Matt Clyde	....	gaffer
Miljan Krstic	....	assistant camera
Georgia Moxham	....	still photographer
Jim Sheedy	....	grip

Other crew
Julia Boros	....	continuity

Runtime:

15 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Trivia:

Ruth Cracknell's last performance

A faithful and fascinating adaptation of the book by the same name, The Scree, whilst not comedic in nature, is another interesting adventure into Paul McDermott's mind.

A word of warning to people wanting to see this because they're expecting more of Paul McDermott's comedy work - this isn't a comedy, as you Will know if you have read the book by the same name on which this film is based.

The Scree was beautifully narrated by Ruth Cracknell (may she rest in peace). All the acting performances are solid, stylized in places, Sara Groen turning in a particularly engaging performance.

The style in which is has been filmed is lovely, the transition and amalgamation of the animation and live action well-managed, with the five characters played by real actors, and most other elements animated. The simplicity with which some scenes have been handled makes them all the more memorable. The stylized running was an interesting addition.

I'm afraid I've forgotten the name of the composer, but the music throughout the film was extremely appropriate and delicately managed, blending beautifully with the visual content, and balanced nicely with the narration.

I would recommend reading the book before seeing the film, purely for the fun of seeing the pictures come to life - McDermott's illustrations in some places have been taken directly from the book (not surprising, considering he directed it, and obviously had a particular vision for each stanza).