No. 42. (2020) DEERSKIN. July 25th.

Film No. 42 (2020)  July 25th.  11:00 AM.  Cinema 1 LUNA Leederville.

"I need action. I need blood". (Denis demands a certain type of content from Georges if she is going to edit films with a certain edge).

Could Deerskin be one of the most strongly imaged environmentalists symbol for reform there is? Or just a concept devised of hallucinogen induced story telling? It's not likely to be the second option, but the thought did cross my mind. We meet Georges (Jean Dupieux) driving, wearing a smart, but bland corduroy jacket. He's fed up with it and the first sign we get that we will be in the hands of a delusional man is when he tries to flush his jacket down the toilet of a freeway stop-over. He acquires a deerskin jacket from a man who can't believe his luck when Georges is prepared to pay thousands of euro for it. As part of the deal, the guy throws in an outdated digital video camera. So now, combining the concept of Georges wanting to be the only jacket wearing person on Earth and the fact he has a camera making him a film-maker, Georges is really in a world of his own. But is he alone? It would seem not. He meets Adele Haenel playing Denise. Would you believe it, Denise wants to edit Georges films. I'm telling too much. It's doing my head in thinking about the point of Quentin Dupieux's film. He made Rubber (2010) the high concept story of a homicidal car-tyre. He's an ideas man. Definitely. Environmentalists are going to love the ending ...... well for a bit anyway! I was mesmerized by Deerskin. There are people who believe Deerskin to be pointless crap. Each to their own, but I know where they're coming from! (8GUMS).

                                      

        

No. 41. (2020) THE INVISIBLE MAN. July 19th.

Film No. 41 (2020)  July 19th.  2:30 PM  PALACE  Raine Square,  Perth City. 

"Adrian is not dead, he has figured a way to be invisible. He wants to control me". (Cecelia tries to convince  sister Emily that she is not safe. Begging for someone to believe her).

For a time I was thinking that this 2020 version of T.I.M was another Marvel franchise film. Nothing could be further from my initial assumption. In this version our man does not use his powers for the greater good of mankind. This story is a low budget horror/thriller but plays as a big budget indi potboiler. Leigh Whannell, known better for the writing of Saw, writes and directs this film, a film full of tension and a dash of slash. Elizabeth Moss plays Cecilia Kass, our hero who is in a toxic relationship with sociopath Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), a wonder boy inventor and entrepreneur. We meet Cecilia on the eve she has decided to escape her repressed life from the compound that doubles as Adrian's home. Wonderboy is never going to be happy and there is a twist or two with his obsession with Cecilia. More importantly he needs to teach "his girl" a lesson using his very latest innovation. You can guess the rest. Cecilia has a few tricks up her sleeve, and we can see her sleeve! 8GUMS.         

                                   

  

No. 40. (2020) BABYTEETH. July 18th.

Film No. 40 (2020)  July 18th.  11:00 AM.  Cinema 1 LUNA Leederville.

"This is the worst possible parenting I can imagine". (Anna says these words as she and Henry observe, through their kitchen window, Milla and Moses frolicking on their back lawn).

Director Shannon Murphy has created a deeply affecting film in Babyteeth. Be warned however, there are themes depicting suicide, terminal illness and drug taking which will hit home for people who have experienced what Anna (Essie Davis), Henry (Ben Mendelsohn) and Milla (Eliza Scanlen) have on-screen. The thing is, film is all about creating an experience so when we become a part of Milla's world, from scene one, we sense her world is full of impulsive decision making and living on the edge. We soon learn why! But it's her parents Henry and Anna who make for the most interesting subjects. It's their behaviour related to their plight which continues to flood my thoughts 48 hours after the titles finished rolling. I realize I've told little of the story but Babyteeth is less a riveting story and more an experience. I'm a father, I've been lucky, my two girls are happy and healthy, my wife and I appreciate the luck bestowed upon us, so far; Babyteeth helps parents to appreciate what they have. This is Shannon Murphy's first feature, it's a triumph and another example of Australia's talent pool. Oh, I haven't even mentioned Toby Wallace, a rising star, who brings a whirlwind of a performance as Moses. Moses presents a feel good quality to give Babyteeth an extra dimension. 11GUMS.

            

   

No. 39. (2020) THE ASSISTANT. July 1th.

Film No 39 (2020)  July 14th.  2:50 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville. 

"I don't think you'll have anything to worry about. You're not his type." (Head of HR makes a parting comment to Jane in the hope she will be reassured).

The saying "Be careful what you wish for" came to mind while watching The Assistant. But the thing that came to mind most often was the name Harvey Weinstein because Julia Garner's Jane (brilliantly handled by Kitty Green) gives us an insight into what it might be like to work, with pure innocence, for a monster. The power of The Assistant comes from what we don't see. Even what we hear (mainly muffled phone calls) isn't clear but we are left in no doubt about what's happening. Jane is 5 weeks into her dream job and the day we experience with her will test every fibre of her moral fibre. Jane aspires to work in an industry (Film and Television) where she will be mentored by good and talented people. People she will grow to like and trust. WRONG!! The shame for this brilliant small film is that COVID-19 stripped it of its cinema presence. Hopefully streaming platforms have made up for this shortfall. Garner weaves a mesmerizing performance here, she gives Jane a quality that has our collective hearts' bleeding. We suffer with her as she realizes she has no allies in this toxic workplace and while I've read criticisms about this film's ending, I have no doubt Jane is headed in the right direction as she walks away from the camera. The humble meal she decides not to eat at the end of her day say it all. 11GUMS.

      

 

No. 38. (2020) BURNT ORANGE HERESY. July 13th.

Film No 38 (2020)  July 11th.  6:30 PM  LUNA PALACE Windsor,  Nedlands . 

"I value a Debney, James, and I'd like you to procure one for me". (Cassidy answers James's question as to why he (Cassidy) has been so good to him).

Here I was, thinking Mick Jagger must have a production share in this strange, if slightly beguiling noir thriller but no, he got the role on merit. The word is, director Giuseppe Capotondi had heard Jagger was looking for an acting role, sent him the script, Jagger liked it and Capotondi hired him ...... why, I ask?

Enough of the mediocre aspect to Burnt because overall the film is beguiling, it's hard to peel ones eyes from the screen. The art world will hardly seem the same clean cut industry of treasured wall decorations after this.

James (Claes Bang) and Berenice (Elizabeth Debicki) have chemistry from scene one. We never know what motivates them and, their union had danger written all over it. James is an art critic looking for a scam, that's where Jagger's Cassidy and Sutherland's world renowned painter Jerome Debney provide the spark, quite literally!

Capatondi's only other feature is, The Double Hour (2009), and there seems to be a common theme in his work, that of sexually charged, damaged couples, living on the edge and heading in the wrong direction. There are shades of Hitchcock in Burnt which makes me wonder whether Alfred would have cast Jagger in a lead role. Debicki is brilliant and her scenes with Sutherland steal the show. A fascination, that's how I'd best describe Burnt Orange Heresy. 8GUMS. 

          

No. 37. (2020) BELLBIRD. July 11th.

Film No. 37 (2020) July 11th.  3:40 PM  FENWICK 3 CINEMAS  Esperance.                        

"I know you miss mum, I miss her everyday too, if we miss her together it will be a little bit easier than doing it by ourselves" (Bruce explains his shared grief with his dad, Ross).

Some of my favourite films quietly meander, relying on silence and character subtleties (Manchester By The Sea, I Daniel Blake) and while I won't count Bellbird as a favourite, it has plenty of the above and a milk pail of heart. I enjoyed its pleasant nature.

Ross (Marshall Napier) is connected to the land, (North Country New Zealand), his wife Beth (Annie Whittle) and son Bruce, without showing too much emotion. It's mainly the farm he feels comfortable with. When there is a family tragedy, Ross is put to the test. How will he cope? It's then we are introduced to the characters Connie (Rachel House), teenager Marley (Kahukura Retimana) and earnest vet Clem (Stephen Tamaraya) who help add colour to the pallet of the film.

Writer/Director Hamish Bennett grew up in the fields highlighted in Bellbird. His short film simply titled Ross and Beth (2014) set the blueprint for this feature. The late, great John Clarke played alongside Whittle here. I feel sure Clarke would have been preferred to Napier if not for his passing in 2017. Napier, while engaging, gave Ross a moroseness which, to my mind, was marginally over played.

Since Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) audiences have fallen for the uninhibited, likable nature of the N.Z. locals. House, Retimana and Tamaraya give Bellbird the laughs on this occasion. Taika Waititi along with Clarke first presented this dry, self effacing humour, as New Zealand's gift to the world. Bellbird continues to give. 8GUMS.

     

    

No. 36. (2020) BROCK: OVER THE TOP. July 7th.

Film No. 36 (2020) July 7th.  6:15 PM  FENWICK 3 CINEMAS  Esperance.                        

"There was a lot more to Brock. You could see the hunger, the naked ambition to be number one" (The voice over of a commentator who described most of Brock's Bathurst victories).

As far as sports documentaries go, Brock: Over The Top is a thorough depiction of Australia's greatest motor racing legend. It sounds a little clinical I know, but so is this feature doco. I think the test of a good documentary comes when people who have no interest in the themes (motor racing) walk away having been enlightened and thoroughly entertained. Brock: Over TT was every bit that for me, my wife and a couple of good friends.

 
Peter Brock died, tragically, by the side of a road (hit a tree) while rally driving, in the Western Australian countryside in August 2006. So many more Australians became engaged with the legend because of the stories that emerged around his private life after his death. But the film never takes a tabloid approach to what quite rightly are private matters. All of Brock's wives, family and close confidants have set pieces to camera, all done with class and clarity. Brock is presented as a single minded and dedicated racer who surrounded himself with those he trusted, with one aim - to win Bathurst (Australia's Le Mans) each October from 1972 to 1987. He did this 9 times, hence his legend status.

 
Brock's real rock through all of this was Bev Brock, his second wife and while there was always rumour and innuendo about Brock and his alleged philandering's the film leaves little doubt Brock would not have excelled as he did, considering his many challenges along the way, without the power of their partnership. The strength of this feature is the oxygen it gives in portraying the loyalty and dedication his family bestowed upon him.

 
I'm Australian, I'm sold on taking in an interesting piece of my own country's sporting history. I'm not sure Brock will stir much interest internationally. Sadly, it seems that few Aussies are catching the cinema release. It's reception (since mid June) has been underwhelming. SBS or the ABC will surely find a slot for it. If so, I'd recommend this depiction of Peter Perfect, Australia's greatest car racer. 9GUMS.

             

No. 35. (2020) UNDER THE COVER OF CLOUD June 27th.

Film No. 35 (2020)  June 27th.  9:10 PM.  SBS On DEMAND, In Bed, Mt. Hawthorn. W.A. 

"The timing was right to take a break and visit my family in Hobart. I decided I wanted to write something beautiful about cricket". (Ted's voice-over introduces us to the uncomplicated journey he is about to take his audience on over the next ninety minutes).

Now and again I get caught in front of a film and become mesmerized by its nuances. A wanky word is nuance, I know, but this film is all about nuance but you need to watch it to get my meaning, and yet I could never recommend Under The Cover of Cloud to anyone.

Me!, well I loved it for the pure naturalistic, unpretentious qualities played out in every elongated scene. It captures everyday middle class Australians (Hobart) to a tee. There is not a nasty word spoken by or about anyone in the easiest of family interchanges; so where's the drama? It's a good question but there is a cotton thread of tension, and when I say cotton thread, I mean a fine thread.

Ted Wilson is a Tasmanian actor and filmmaker who had an idea. The idea could easily have had its origins in the COVID-19 lock down experience, but it was shot 18 months prior. We meet Ted, who plays himself, he is a Melbourne columnist who has lost his job and decides to travel, by ferry, home (Hobart) to be with family. He has this idea to write a book, a book of quality writing about Tasmania's legendary upper order batsmen (cricket). While the content of what's going through his mind is from the world of fiction, the characters around him are his real family. There is not one sign of inhibition about how Ted and his family interact. The fly on the wall style is immaculate. 

So where is the hint of tension I hear you ask? A key to making his book is to get an introduction to Tasmania's legendary batsman David Boon. Boon resides in Hobart, not far from where Ted is hanging out. How does Ted get to chat with one of Australia's, let alone, Tasmania's iconic batsman? There is the tension. I loved Under The Cloud .... but I stumbled across it, pushed play on a whim and got hooked. I've half a mind to go on a vigil, as he did  with Boon, to track Wilson down and ask him a plethora of questions about this unique film. 10GUMS.