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Reviews
Terminal Bliss (2006)
If it had been a little better made it could have been something...
I was told about this film by a friend shortly before its first Melbourne screening and I decided to drag myself along to see it.
Low budget features are always a tough view as you never know exactly what you are going to get...
The film tells the story of a seriously dysfunctional family who are brought together for the birthday of the family patriarch. Over an afternoon of food, drink and fighting we get to the bottom of all their issues.
I found this film pretty tough going. The first half in particular was a real challenge as the narrative just wasn't quite there. Once the family sat down to lunch and the ensemble kicked into gear it became easier and by the time we were into the dinner sequence I felt I was in sync with the movie.
What's right with it: The strong lead performance by Stephen Costan really centers the movie and gives it strength and dignity (far beyond what it deserves) and the digital photography is quite wonderful in places (the back lit lunch sequence is probably the best scene in the film for visuals).
What's wrong with it: Some clunky dialogue and terrible direction and editing. The film really feels like it needs to be quicker in the first third and then should have been allowed to breath in the last two acts.
While the lead performance and couple of the supporting players are great the film is drowned by two performances which are over the top and out of place. Ivanka Sokol as the second wife is simply not believable and Tom McCathie as the eldest son is dangerously on the edge of camp.
Where can I find it: I don't think you can get it on DVD but you could probably find out more information about it at Harmless Pictures website.
Animal Kingdom (2010)
Not bad but really not as good as all the hype.
Animal Kingdom another Australian film with a passive protagonist, lots of padding, a great soundtrack, a title that tells you nothing about what the film is about and lots of pretension.
Look I'm not wanting to be the one review who suggests that this isn't the greatest Australian film of all time but lets face it the film has some serious flaws.
The narrative is pretty uninspiring, the performance by the lead actor is pretty dry and gives us little to invest in and the visual design is very deeply in love with itself.
What's right with it: Its better than the average Australian film released at the box office.
What's wrong with it: Everything I have mentioned above.
Where to find it: DVD stores online and just about everywhere else.
How Am I Driving (2002)
Simple to the point. Well shot and enjoyable.
I saw this film around the time it was initially released on the festival circuit and I really liked it.
Like a lot of Australian short films it is quirky in that kind of Australian laid back way.
The photography is particularly impressive in this film as is the use of the city-link roads as a location.
What's right with it: It is well shot, excellently directed and not as predictable as many other Aussie shorts.
What's wrong with it: Not much, but it isn't for everyone.
Where do I find it: Not sure, haven't seen it around since I saw it.
Fame (2009)
Bought this for $5... It wasn't worth it.
So I was down at my local video store buying some second hand bluray discs and there I found Fame for $5. I thought to myself how bad could it be. It may be a little bit of a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
I was never into the original film but I distinctly remember liking the television series of the same name.
What's right with it: Kelsey Grammar gives a really nice (but typically grouchy) performance as a piano teacher.
Some flashy camera work.
What's wrong with it: Flat uninspired staging, bland performances, irritating lighting, terrible dialogue and just an overwhelming feeling that no one involved in this film really put much thought into making this a fresh take on an old story.
Where to find it: Probably the bargain bin at your local video store.
Mates (2009)
Not bad short film...
I saw this film at a festival in Sydney late last year and I must say I was impressed.
Its a brutal experience as a film and certainly leaves the viewer with more questions than answers.
The film tells the story of a group of friends or as they would be described here in Australia Mates. We follow the friends through an afternoon/evening where we are told in flashback form the events of a recent night out where one of the group members sister is raped. The story then pushes on as something of a revenge story with an unexpected ending that turns into yet another unexpected ending after the credits.
What is right with it: The performances are exceptional all round (except perhaps for one of the friends who is a little bit off), the lighting is very moody and the direction is pretty sharp.
What is wrong with it: Not much. I wasn't a big fan of the music and some of the editing but that is if I am being really picky.
Where to find this movie: Hopefully it is still going round the festival circuit otherwise you could try looking for it online?
You Are Here -> (2009)
What the what? This film is really good
Upfront I will let you know that usually I don't go for these kinds of films. I am not a big fan of the surreal aware style of film making that this film kind of fits into but I was pleasantly surprised by this film and found the acting, directing, music and shooting to be excellent all round.
Having seen some other works by this director this one would have to be my favorite as it is easily his most accessible and most fun film.
What is right with it: Like I said before it is a lot of fun, you will be confused, you will either get it or you won't but even if you don't you will still have a good time.
The performances are great.
What is wrong with it: Needed a bit more money on the shooting side. While it is proof that a great concept doesn't always need a budget it would have looked great if it had been shot on a better camera or on film.
Where can I find it: Don't know but if you go the film directors website Truncated Pictures I am sure they can tell you.
The Ten Dimensions (2006)
Great concept not particularly well executed
I saw this short film and a film screening night a few years back and was intrigued by the concept but like a lot of short films you see at festivals and film screenings I was largely disappointed by the actual film.
As the story outline says on the IMDb page this film is all about a murder consultant who you can go and see (just like seeing a dentist or a mechanic) about getting someone killed. Its a great short film concept.
What is right with it: Its nicely and very competently shot on high definition video, the production design is a little woolly and cheap in places but overall not bad. The music is good and the action is very well shot.
What is wrong with it: Its the overall direction and the casting of the talent that lets this film down. Like a lot of short films directed by unestablished film makers its too clumsy, too over directed and lacks the subtlety of a more experienced hand behind the camera.
The biggest disappointments are the two leads. While David Orlando almost gets away with his performance - Enrico Mammarella as Bronson is very camp and over the top which makes his performance simply unbelievable. In many respects its a pantomime performance in what should have been an edgy, funny flick.
I don't want to kick this film maker down as I think its a nice concept and hopefully they have developed their skills a little further since this film was released.