I saw this one at the Melbourne International Film Festival a few weeks back and excitement levels peaked early as Noni Hazelhurst joined the queue just behind me! This film is three hours long and was presented all in one hit at MIFF but I gather that in the general release it’s being shown in two parts with an interval. Phew, no restricting fluids for you! In a further break with tradition, this film includes a program with your (higher than usual) ticket price and if you’re anything like me, you will definitely need it. At my MIFF screening, in what can only be described as a major event fail, we were given the program AFTER the screening and with just a quick glance, the film suddenly made a lot more sense. I thought my lack of understanding was at least in part because I hadn’t read the book but speaking to my cousin’s wife recently I felt relieved – she’s read the book and said that was pretty confusing too! And she’s a very smart woman.
I’m confident that if I’d had the opportunity to read the program
before the movie I’d have loved it a lot more but to be frank I spent too large
a portion of the three hours trying to work out the connections between the
characters in the 17 separate short films that make up this film overall. Yes,
a highly unusual and ambitious format!
That said, some of the 17 segments are, in and of themselves,
visually stunning to watch and include some amazing performances. For example
you will see Rose Byrne like you never have before – she’s always excellent but
this character is unlike anything I’ve seen her do before. It also features
Hugo Weaving, Miranda Otto, Cate Blanchett, Dan Wyllie (who I always love &
this is no exception), Susie Porter & Robyn Nevin.
This one isn’t for everyone but if you’re a bit of a film buff, lover of cinematography or of great Australian actors and directors, then check it out. It is unlike any cinema experience I’ve ever had and really quite beautiful. But, you know, read the flippin’ program.
Trailer here and a couple of reviews here and here.
This one isn’t for everyone but if you’re a bit of a film buff, lover of cinematography or of great Australian actors and directors, then check it out. It is unlike any cinema experience I’ve ever had and really quite beautiful. But, you know, read the flippin’ program.
Trailer here and a couple of reviews here and here.