No. 59 (2022) BASSENDREAM July 21st.

 

Film No. 59 (2022)  July  20th.  6.30 PM   Cinema 1.  LUNA,  Leederville.

 

"It's 40 degrees most days in Bassendean through December and January, so it was really hot. Our cast is young so you can't shoot for long periods. We shot the film over two summers, 2017 and 2018" (Director Tim Barretto talks of the stresses of shooting his beloved project, BASSENDREAM).

BASSENDREAM is for a niche market. People born, raised and who live or have lived in the Perth (Western Australia) suburb of Bassendean in the late 70's into the 80's and even the 90's will find the film amusing, even charming.

 At times during these decades I lived not more than 5km from Bassendean. I understood the film's warm, nostalgic qualities but unfortunately I had difficulty connecting with the themes and mini story lines.   

There is always a risk when using non-professional actors to play characters the film-makers' hope an audience will connect with. Over acting and wooden pre-emptive movement does hamper many scenes in BASSENDREAM.

There is a warm, charm woven into the fabric of BASSENDREAM. The people of this unpretentious, welcoming suburb are loving what the film has to say. It is playing to full-houses in cinemas, halls and open spaces around Perth. All hail to Director Tim Barretto as he generates a following for his first feature.  7GUMS