Sydney Film Festival: The Rover (2014)

Year: 2014
Running Time: 102 minutes
Director: David Michod
Writers: Joel Edgerton (story) and David Michod (story and screenplay)
Cast: Guy Pierce, Robert Pattinson, Scoot McNairy, David Field

The Rover is part of the Official Competition at the 2014 Sydney Film Festival and was screened on the 7th and 8th of June. For more information, please see the official website.

Incredibly suspenseful, captivating and atmospheric, The Rover is the highly anticipated second feature film by director, David Michod. This extremely tense film is extraordinary by way of it's beautiful and original cinematography and it's minimal, but tight and effective screenplay. Michod's direction of his two lead actors, Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson is nothing short of perfection with a great deal of character and on screen chemistry between the two. The Rover is incredibly gripping and visually intriguing, yet leaves a great deal to the imagination.

In the Australian outback ten years after the collapse, Eric (Guy Pearce) has his car stolen by a group of three men from right under his nose. He begins the chase in the car the men left behind to take his car back by whatever mean necessary and it becomes evident that beyond his silent exterior is a great deal of anger which makes him a very dangerous man. The car Eric is driving is soon recognised by Ray (Robert Pattinson), the brother of one of the men he is chasing and Eric takes this opportunity to let Ray lead him to his brother and the other men so that he can finally take his revenge on the thieves.

The Rover is a film with a minimal story, but a whole lot going on around and within it. The story itself is not a complicated one or an overly significant one, but it is carried out in a completely original and memorable way. The film is suspenseful and tense from the very beginning and is able to maintain this in it's entirety. While set in the future, it does not fall back into the patterns which futuristic films tend to do. The absence of information regarding the collapse and the reasons why things are now this particular way is problematic for the viewer as there is a thirst to be given answers. Yet, The Rover is not your typical post-apocalyptic film and the collapse is not the focus of the film, it is Eric's tale of revenge that is. The script itself really isn't a very detailed one, but as Robert Pattinson has described it at "Inside The Rover" at the Sydney Town Hall, it is an exceptionally delicate one. Every word is strong, effective and valuable to the film.

The film is extremely atmospheric by means of it's visuals and musical score. There is a real harshness to the Australian landscape and the living conditions which come as a result of it. The viewer is able to feel the extreme heat of the sundrenched outback and the feeling of being less than clean while travelling through it. With the constant tense story and the dangerous landscape comes a consistent feeling of dread which is also enhanced by a particularly haunting score. The film is also quite twisted in parts, such as when Eric acquires his gun. Yet, as harsh the Australian outback is, the cinematography of it is magnificent. The Flinders Ranges where the film is shot are part of the vast beauty of the Australian outback and are incredibly beautiful on the 35mm film used. The travelling camera shot of the car driving along the seemingly endless road at sunset in amazing colour is the perfect scene.

There is an incredible amount of character development that gradually spans throughout the whole film. The viewer learns more and more about the characters they are watching by means of their actions, emotions and of course their words. Guy Pearce gives a wonderfully controlled performance as Eric. He is a very angry character, but this anger is not shown by emotional outbreaks as such characters in film so often have. His silence accompanied by his evident indifference to his life and his violent tendencies, creates a very scary figure as he is completely unpredictable. Yet he is still not without feeling and still capable of creating relationships, such as with Ray. This doesn't come across in an obvious way and many people will still him as being heartless, but he is a man who is so used to loss that he acts as if he has nothing to lose and doesn't gravitate towards people the way it is suggested he once did. At the "Inside The Rover", Pearce referred to his character as being "an injured and damaged creature". This is extremely evident in the film, as he even see's himself as more of an animal than a human and feels more of a connection to animals, such as dogs than people.

Robert Pattinson gives the best performance of his career thus far as Ray in The Rover. He completely embodies the character by way of speech and facial and body language. His character is a particularly interesting one and unlike Pearce's Eric, he is one who is capable of human relationships despite of his awkwardness. The on screen chemistry between Pearce and Pattinson is fantastic. Their characters both have such different qualities that they perfectly fit together and compliment each other in an offbeat but effective way. The scenes which they have together in which the most dialogue is spoken are very special and it is as though every word spoken is important and really means something.

The Rover is a superb film. It's minimalist story is enhanced in incredible fashion with brilliant cinematography and Pearce and Pattinson's wonderful on screen chemistry. David Michod need not have felt his self-proclaimed "second-album syndrome"

8.5/10

Iron Man 3

Year: 2013
Director: Shane Black
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce, Don Cheadle, Ben Kingsley, Rebecca Hall
Now showing in cinemas everywhere

Normally as movies progress to the sequel and beyond, there tends to be a decrease in the quality of the films. This is just an assumption you take with you to a film, especially when going to see a third installment of a film and the sequel really wasn't that great.

That is why Iron Man 3 is such a delight.

No matter how good the trailer looked, you were always weary about Iron Man 3, especially after the disappointment that was Iron Man 2.  However, there is no need for concern. Iron Man 3 is the film you wish was the Iron Man sequel. Unlike Iron Man 2 which was all over the place, Iron Man 3 is clean cut with a great screenplay and is just all round entertaining. A great film to kick off blockbuster season with.

Iron Man 3 picks up when Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has returned from his alien encounter in New York and is struggling to come to grips with his anxiety issues. A new enemy has emerged in terrorist, The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) and when he hits a little too close to home and Happy (Jon Favreau) falls into a coma, Tony seeks revenge on The Mandarin. He soon finds out that he has more enemies than just The Mandarin that he needs to worry about.

The screenplay (written by director Shane Black and Drew Pearce) for Iron Man 3 is extremely impressive. There are twists and turns galore and some real surprises during the film. Unlike many action blockbusters, there is more to this film than just the action and special effects. Of course these are also amazing, but the story is completely intriguing. You could probably categorise Iron Man  3 as an action/ thriller as Tony Stark does channel a bit of his inner Sherlock Holmes (funny about that).

Shane Black is to be given huge credit for what he has done with Iron Man 3. Not only is the film well directed, but the decision for Jon Favreau to step aside as director after the first two films gave Iron Man a breath of fresh air and doesn't make us feel like the film is trying to achieve what the previous films have done. Iron Man 3 is a good film in it's own right and works as a stand alone film. Therefore, even if you haven't seen the first two films you can understand and enjoy the third film.

One expects that the special effects and action are going to be pretty impressive in a film like this, and they are. The sight of Stark's Malibu mansion tumbling into the ocean is pretty incredible and let's face it, Iron Man is just a great special effect in himself. There are several other amazing moments in the film, but many which cannot be spoken of without giving too much of the film away.

Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark. The character is absolutely his own and even  though you sometimes wonder if Downey Jr. is just playing himself, he is still just fantastic on screen. Stark has so much character and is just great fun to watch and cheer for. There are moments throughout the film when Downey Jr. reminds us what a brilliant actor he really is.


Another cast member who shines in Iron Man 3 is Guy Pearce. Pearce plays Aldrich Killian, a scientist who encountered Stark back in 1999 and has an eye for Stark's girlfriend, Pepper Potts ( Gwyneth Paltrow). Without giving too much away, Pearce plays evil well. His performance is by no means forced and he just seems so natural in the role (one hopes that that isn't the case!)

Gwyneth Paltrow isn't bad. Her and Downey Jr. have great on screen chemistry. Ben Kingsley is great, as one always comes to expect from him. Ty Simpkins, who plays Stark's unlikely partner in crime Harley, is very good and one remembers him long after walking out of the cinema.

Iron Man 3 is the film Iron Man 2 should have been. However, it doesn't really matter as we are happy it happened whether it be second or third in the Iron Man order.

8/10



On a side note...
One thing I was impressed with was how tactfully Iron Man 3 linked in with The Avengers.

Marvel really have a good thing going at the moment. Their superheroes are going from strength to strength (excuse the pun) on the big screen and will continue to do so. Three members of The Avengers, including Iron Man have films coming out in the next year. The sequel to Thor, Thor: The Dark World is due to be released in October this year and the sequel to Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier is currently in production and to be released in April 2014.

The Avengers 2 has been announced and has a scheduled release for 2015 which many people may find exciting. I am interested as to how they are going to tie all the characters in again. People who have seen Iron Man 3 will understand why I am watching this space with interest.

One thing is for sure, superheroes are alive and well in the movies.

You may have also seen Robert Downey Jr. in.......
Sherlock Holmes  and Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows as Sherlock Holmes
Iron Man 2 and The Avengers as Tony Stark/ Iron Man
Chaplin as Charlie Chaplin

You may have also seen Guy Pearce in.....
The King's Speech as King Edward VIII
Prometheus as Peter Weyland
Lawless as Special Deputy Charlie Ranks

You may have also seen Ben Kingsley in....
Hugo as George Melies

Lawless

Year: 2012
Director: John Hillcoat
Cast: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Gary Oldman, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska, Guy Pearce

Before I begin my review….

 As an Aussie, I still get a kick out of seeing Guy Pearce in Hollywood.

Of course, it is always exciting someone of the same nationality as you make it in Hollywood and there is a good acting brigade of Australians in Los Angeles at the moment. Yet, Guy Pearce is one of those actors that, if you are a child of the 1980’s like myself, it is just that tad more exciting.

Pearce was the heartthrob back in the 80’s and early 90’s. He appeared in both Home & Away and Neighbours, which so many Australian actors who have made their break in Hollywood have done. You may recognise some of the names of Home & Away alumni….Heath Ledger, Melissa George, Isla Fisher, Ryan Kwanten, Chris Hemsworth and the list goes on.

Pearce is one of the most versatile actors there is out there. He’s appeared in so many movies, that you always read through the list of films he has made and forget how many of his you have seen.  He appeared in two consecutive Academy Award Best Picture winners in The Hurt Locker and The King’s Speech and is never afraid to take risks, such as in Bedtime Stories and as Andy Warhol in Factory Girl.

Versatility is what makes good actors great, and Pearce has that. I was so happy for him when he won the Emmy last year for Best Supporting Actor in A Mini-Series for Mildred Pierce. I would just love to see an Academy Award nomination added to his list of achievements one day in the future!

Review

With a knock-out cast, you would expect Lawless to blow you away. However, it is doesn’t quite reach those heights.

A true story like this has so much potential, yet there always feels like there is something missing. Not a complete bomb by any means, but one of those films where you can’t see where it is headed. A surprise in a film is never a bad thing, but as they say, it is about the journey rather than the destination.

 In 1930’s Virginia, Bondurant brothers Forrest (Tom Hardy), Howard (Jason Clarke) and Jack (Shia LaBeouf) run an illegal moonshine trade. Legend has it that the brothers are invincible, a legend which Special Deputy Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce) is willing to test to bring their operations to a halt. Rakes isn’t the only one the brothers have to watch their back for, as Franklin County erupts in violence that could compete with Chicago’s gangster culture.

The story of the Bondurant brothers is a particularly interesting one, and it is no surprise why musician, Nick Cave wanted to adapt Jack Bondurant’s grandson, Matt’s novel into a screenplay. It is a well written screenplay as the dialogue doesn’t lack at all, but played out on screen isn’t quite as thrilling as what it should be. The last 15 minutes are by far that best in the film so it is worth waiting for. Yet, the film is very slow to get going and even though it has some shocking moments, just doesn’t pack the punch to feel like the film completely consumes you as an audience member. You have some sort of an idea where the film is headed, but it seems in no rush to get there and can just be downright frustrating at times.

In saying that though, there is plenty to keep the film going. The soundtrack is great and very fitting for the time period. The time period itself is represented beautifully with some stunning images on the screen of Franklin County. It has the right elements in the visuals for the time period such as the separation of white and coloured and the beautiful vintage automobiles. The costume design is also commendable. The costumes are symbolic as to which part of the country the characters are from and the personalities.

Tom Hardy is very good as Forrest Bondurant. Although there is no real stretch of emotions in his role, he does give a solid performance and does all he has to do to bring his role to life. Taking in the knowledge the Hardy is British as well, makes you also want to commend him on his convincing southern accent.

Shia LaBeouf is playing a typical Shia LaBeouf role. He has become the actor in Hollywood to be cast as the underdog in action and thriller films who isn’t your stereotypical action star, but the one who represents a “normal” guy who does extraordinary things.  It’s a role someone has to have to that every guy out there can believe they can also be a hero. So this role isn’t too hard for him to play, but he does what he has to do to make it work.

Guy Pearce is very good, as he does really come across as the arrogant and dangerous deputy who can really do anything he likes.

Both Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowska are also good. Chastain plays the damaged Maggie Beauford well and Wasikowska plays the sweet preachers daughter, Bertha Minnix well.

Gary Oldman does well for the smallish role as gangster Floyd Banner well, but what happens to his character? His role in the film is left unspoken of. Maybe in the extended version we will find out.

Lawless is visually a very good film, but besides what the eye see’s, there’s nothing overly thrilling about it.

6.5/10

Sources
The Internet Movie Database
Collider.com
The Guardian

Prometheus (2012)

Prometheus

Year: 2012

Director: Ridley Scott

Cast:  Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce

Before I begin my review….

                Honestly, this review for Prometheus is probably one of the hardest reviews I have ever written.

                I’m not quite sure how to put into words why I have found this so hard to write, but my actual experience with the film was that I left not knowing how I am supposed to feel about it. Well maybe that is the wrong way to put it. I left the cinema and I wasn’t sure whether I liked the film or whether I didn’t like it. I needed time to gather all the information I had and pile it together to get an informed opinion. I really didn’t feel like I could write this review if I only half-heartedly believed that I liked it or didn’t like it. What good is a review when you are telling people “I’m just writing this review for the sake of writing a review because I really don’t know whether I like it or not so therefore I can’t inform you as to whether you should go and see this film or not”?

My husband and I are big fans of the original Alien and Aliens and the one big thing I felt like we missed out on with Prometheus was I wanted to know more about the aliens which are in these films. If I looked at it that way, I was going to be disappointed. Ridley Scott has gone about Prometheus  from a completely different angle and really, as a stand alone film, I am very impressed.  So my initial thoughts were that fans of the original were going to be disappointed.

                Yet, many Alien/ Aliens fans really loved Prometheus. There is really a divided thought among all the sci fi fans out there. I guess the big thing is that Prometheus is very different compared to what people, including me, were thinking it was going to be. This is probably where the disappointment some people are experiencing came from. I see similarities between Prometheus  and Alien, but it is a different sort of blockbuster than we are used to. I use the word ‘blockbuster’ here because of the massive marketing and promotional activity surrounding the release of this film. The majority of blockbuster releases are action films, with the rest of them really being animation. Have you also noticed that many blockbusters happen to be sequels or prequels? Maybe many of us where expecting an action packed prequel, and it isn’t that.

                I believe that Prometheus is the thinking man’s sci-fi film. It does have some pretty spectacular special effects, but not really any action packed battle sequences. What Ridley Scott wants you to do is leave the cinema and keep thinking about the film long after you have left the car park. Considering I left and had to really dissect Prometheus, this worked with me!

                So bottom line is if you want action galore out of Prometheus and those terrifying aliens running everywhere throughout the film, open your mind a bit before buying your ticket. An open mind will get you many places.

Review

                Prometheus may well be the most highly anticipated movie release of the year. The question is, does it live up to the expectations installed in us by the crazy promotional campaigns you have seen at every corner and those expectations held by Alien fanatics?

                The answer is it definitely depends what you want out of the film and also if you like to be challenged mentally by a film.

                That is what makes Prometheus such a great one of a kind film. Ridley Scott may not have given some people the action packed Alien prequel which some people were expecting, but he has given us a science fiction that makes you contemplate some of the questions humanity faces going into the future with some pretty spectacular special effects and cinematography thrown in.

                In the future, a group of explorers travel on the vessel Prometheus to the far reaches of the galaxy to where they believe lies the key to finding out where the human race came from. However, when they arrive there, they realise that unlocking the secret to human existence also means unleashing danger on the human race in more than one form.

                The important thing to point out firstly is that Prometheus, even though it is a prequel to Alien, shouldn’t be approached with the mindset that it is going to be an updated version of Scott’s 1979 Alien. There are several links to the film, but it is better as a stand alone film than a link to the Alien films. It is almost as though Scott has just used the ship that is seen in Alien as a setting for a separate film that covers a whole set of new factors.

                What makes Prometheus so intriguing is that it is not merely a film about a ship travelling to an unknown planet and being met with their dangers. It is a film about the friction between faith and human engineering, that is, the belief in God creating human life vs the idea that humans and science are the creators. The way the film pans out with these two ideas is perfect as both sides are presented in the beliefs of the two of the main characters, Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green). The films conclusion shows what these two ideas can result in as far as human behaviour is concerned.

                Scott does quite a good job in direction. The cinematography is extremely impressive as is the editing. The script by Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof can tend to lack in parts and although the concept for the film is great, the script can let it down a bit.  Some things aren’t carried as well by the characters as they should be and there are still some questions left unanswered. Such as the depth and nature of Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron) and Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce). Also Shaw and the “pilot” of Prometheus, Janek (Idris Elba) seem to form an unbreakable bond in about 2 minutes. One would think a relationship with a result like theirs would take a bit longer to form.

                Scott couldn’t have possibly assembled a better cast for Prometheus. The three lead actors are three of the best actors around at the moment and are all having a huge year thus far. Noomi Rapace has confirmed with this role that she has made the move to English speaking roles with brilliance. Her character goes through a transformation throughout the film from being almost timid to being a strong woman and her character development skills are stunning.

                Charlize Theron is very good as Meredith Vickers. She is a character who you know you should hate, but it is almost impossible too as she is just so good to watch as a hard woman.

                Michael Fassbender’s portrayal of the android, David is brilliant. He is such an interesting character. Yet, he is extremely disturbing. Peter O’Toole will never be seen in the same light again after David’s imitation of him. The character carries the “Is he a good guy or is he a bad guy?” tag which is possibly the most intriguing tag a character can carry.

                Guy Pearce is also very good and almost unrecognisable as the elderly Peter Weyland.

                Prometheus is a win for movie goers who like to be challenged in their thinking by a film, but like to have it done in as interesting a way as possible, not just in a film which consists primarily of two characters sitting on a park bench having a philosophical discussion.

                Just remember, stand alone film. Not an Alien with 2012 technology.

7.5/10

Sources
Itsfilm.com

The King's Speech

The King's Speech
Year: 2010
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce

In My Own Words
Wow. No really...wow. I am still in absolute bewilderment nearly two hours after I walked out of the cinemas after seeing "The King's Speech". I have nothing but praise for this film and I truly believe that I have just seen the film that will win the big one at the Academy Awards in March and I have no doubt that I have also witnessed the performance that will win Best Performance By An Actor In A Leading Role. It was only one scene into the film that I realised when watching Colin Firth in his role as King George VI that I was witnessing something special. Halfway through the film, I whispered to my soon to be husband, "He is going to win the Oscar". I sincerely hope that "The Kings Speech" is also the source of the Best Supporting Male and Female Actor's too. Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter were truly brilliant. I'm not usually one to make huge and confident predictions like this, but I feel like I have become so emotionally attached to this film that I will be absolutely devestated if victory is taken from it's grasp for the Golden Globes in the next few weeks and the Oscars in March.

The point about this film that I really want to make is that it is one of the most emotional films I have seen in a long time. Unlike the large majority of emotional films, this film does not contract the emotion from death or romantic angst, but rather from everyday human feelings show by an amazing man. I had tears in my eyes for the large part fo the film and found myself weeping in the final scene. I have never had this type of experience with a film that, as I said, does not have any death or hard core romance in it. Some of the tears were from feeling "Bertire's" pain and some of them were from the overwhelming feeling of seeing so many amazing things on the screen at once. I think I may break down in tears once again if Firth takes home the Oscar because I haven't seen a performance more deserving in a very long time.

I feel like this was the perfect time for me to be watching this film which is a great representation of an important time in British modern history as I will be visiting England for the first time in the next few weeks. I am extremely excited and seeing Westminster Abbey on the big screen has just heightened my excitement.

These are my own words and here is my review.

Review
It is a very rare occasion when a film comes along which can be described as near flawless, but when it does, it is a film and time to be cherished. "The King's Speech" is an extremely powerful and awe inspiring film. It does not have visual effects or crazy CGI images in which many films are these days measured by, it relies purely on the amazing performances by Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter and a brilliantly written screenplay to create an emotionally charged film which is almost completely character driven. The film opens with the Duke Of York (Colin Firth), affectionately known as Bertie by his family, giving a speech at Wimbeldon. As soon as he opens his mouth, realisation sets in that he has a bad stammer and is incapable of speaking in the same manner as others because of it. His wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) seeks out the help of Ausralian speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) to help with her husbands problem after a series of failed attempts by advised psychiatrists. Although Bertie is cynical at first of Logue's methods, the most unlikely of friendships starts to form and Logue becomes an even more crucial part of his life when he becomes crowned King George VI.

This movie is an amazing story of real human emotion which can be felt by anyone, not just the King of England. There are millions of people out there who have problems with public speaking or have low self esteem because of one reason or another. This movie reaches out to those people and pulls on their emotional strings. It is extremely rare for a film which is based on a powerful and historical figure to become one which everyday people can relate to. This film would not be what it is without the amazing acting by the three lead's. This is very much a character driven film, which means that the acting had to be superb in order for it to be any sort of success. Tom Hooper certainly knew what he was doing when casting this film. Colin Firth is absolutely incredible as Bertie. He well and truly becomes the character and the audience becomes completely lost in the character to the point that you completely forget that this is Colin Firth you are watching. Gone is Mr Darcy and every speck of "Pride And Prejudice" and "Bridget Jones' Diary" which Firth used to project when he appeared on the screen, this man is the real deal. He shows the pain and embarassment he feels over his stammer right from the first sight of him on the big screen. He truly becomes the character right down to the smallest detail. Firth carries himself like royalty and his stammer brings tears to your eyes. He has indeed reached he pinnacle of his career, and there seems to be no real threat in sight for the Best Actor Oscar.

Geoffrey Rush is great as Logue. Unlike Firth, it is not the hardest role he has ever done, but he nevertheless is brilliant and extremely likable. Like Bertie, the audience feels pity for Logue. His character is extremely witty and funny. Helena Bonhom Carter is also brilliant as the future Queen mother. In this role which see's, for the first time in a long time, take on a film role which is not a quirky Tim Burton or Harry Potter role. It is not the first time she has played royalty ( as she was cast as Anne Boleyn in the TV movie "Henry VIII" in 2003), but it is defiantely her finest. She is sublime as Elizabeth and you can see the love she has for her husband and the pain she feels for him in his eyes. Timothy Spall was also brilliant as Winston Churchill, taking on the persona ansd mannerisms of the man to perfection.

The screenplay is brilliantly written. The reference for this film was the diaries which Lionel Logue left behind and these diaries were available to Hooper and and writer, David Seidler when putting together this film. The research which has gone into this film is just incredible. It is also quite funny in parts, such as when Bertie is learning how to swear, which is quite unusual for such an emotional drama film. The cinematography and musical score enhance every emotion throughout the film and create suspense and intrigue. The monologue of Bertie and Logue's therapy sessions is very clever and highly enjoyable.

In colnclusion only one thing can be said to sum up everything which "The King's Speech" is. The future best film of the 2011 Academy Awards, and that is no light statement.
10/10

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom
Year: 2010
Director: David Michod
Cast: James Frecheville, Guy Pearce, Ben Mendelsohn, Joel Edgerton, Jacki Weaver

In My Own Words
I just have to say how proud I am to be a movie critic and have the opportunity to review so many Australian films this year. Not only do I get to review them, but I get to tell everyone how wonderful they are! And I am not the only one saying so. “Animal Kingdom”, which is my latest review, premiered at Sundance 2010 and showed the world what the Australian film industry can do by winning the Grand Jury Prize in the World Cinema- Dramatic category. “Animal Kingdom” is a brilliant piece of work. Not for the faint hearted, as people would expect from hearing the subject matter, but still a film that has to be seen. Australian viewers, don’t be fooled, this film is not an “Underbelly” rip off.

Just a side note, it still amazes me how some people can leave their manners at the front door when going to the movies. I know people normally see groups of teenagers as being the main offenders of this, but I find grown adults to be just as bad times. During this film, a lady’s phone went off three times before she realised she should turn it off. Turning off my mobile has become like a ritual for me as soon as I buy my ticket and so many cinemas place a clever advertisement in the preview about turning your mobile off for the sake of others, but some people still just don’t get it. I find more and more people talking throughout films now too, or maybe I just go to too many films so it seems like there is more people falling into this category. All I’m saying is, where has cinema etiquette gone?

These are my own words and here is my review.

Review
“Animal Kingdom” is one of the best Australian films to be released in a long time. Not only this, it is perhaps the best crime drama released this year thus far. A film with outstanding characters brought to life by fantastic acting and an extremely well written script by director and writer, David Michod. Joshua Cody(James Frecheville) goes to live with his grandmother (Jacki Weaver) and his uncles after the death of his mother from a heroin overdose. Although this may seem like a better situation, his uncles are a group of armed robbers who the police are always out to get. As the police get closer and more family deaths occur, life gets more and more complicated for Josh. However, blood runs thicker than water.

What an amazing story and script. “Animal Kingdom” has so many twists and turns that it becomes clear sooner rather than later that things will never turn out the way you think. It is so easy to become emotionally involved in this film with the way the characters are constructed. Although not as hard-hitting as it may have been ( but in no way is it a subtle or easy to watch film), there are many shocks and suspenseful scenes. There is a lack of violent scenes which is interesting. There is violence spoken of and hinted, but no gruesome scenes. Just the hint of blood here and there. Quite interesting for a crime drama. The soundtrack is absolutely superb in the way in which it enhances the emotion of each scene. The opening title sequence is accompanies by music, sounds and also images that create an uneasy air and almost a feeling of evil. This is completely turned around a few scenes after when the family leaves a restaurant in fits of laughter and smiles and the soundtrack has the ability to make the audience see how much the family love each other and even though they are involved in crime, they are just like any other family when they have a good time together. Such an accomplishment in film making.

Unlike many other crime dramas, this film focuses more of the interrelations of the family and those around them rather than the actual crimes they commit. The characterisation is absolutely outstanding. The audience feels an attachment to each of the main characters and shares everything with them. It is a great tribute to a film when the audience feels every emotion with the character and can feel as if they know them personally. In his debut and breakthrough film role, James Frecheville is the lead as Joshua Cody. His performance at the beginning seems a little dry, but it is soon realised that that is all part of his character and he definitely proves himself as an actor as the film goes on. Jacki Weaver is outstanding here. Her role as the optimistic Cody mother and grandmother, Janine has many dimensions. She can be so annoying in her optimism, superficiality and overbearing love for her sons that she is just brilliant. Ben Mendelsohn as Andre “Pope” Cody is extremely creepy and evil, and is easily hated throughout the film by the audience, but he is absolute pleasure to watch. Sullivan Stapleton is also a standout in his role as Craig Cody, as is Joel Edgerton as Barry Brown.

“Animal Kingdom” is a film that must be seen. It is an accomplishment in film making and contains all the factors necessarily to make a successful and well done film. Disturbing, but beautifully so.
8.5/10