It's sort of a weird introduction and I'm not sure how I'll segue into what I actually want to blog about today, but let's see how I go.
Basically I was thinking last night about how I haven't actually done a list completely about films, and then I thought that since I live in Australia I should probably do something to do with my heritage. And then I realised that I haven't really seen that many classic Australian films (apart from 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', and that pissed me off with it's vagueness), all I've really seen are the Australian comedies or the late 90s, and 2000s. So hey, why not make a list about them.
Ok, firstly I will have to apologise for not including on this list some of the classics like 'Don's Party' or 'The Adventures of Barry McKenzie', or even some of the newer films like 'Mad Max' or 'Chopper'. And I must also apologise because some of the ones on this list were flops or would never be considered what anyone would call a classic. But oh well. I love pretty much all of these films. They are comedies and they make me laugh, their jobs are complete.
7. The Extra (2005)
Even though this starred the exteremely talented Jimeoin and was set in my beloved city Melbourne, this flopped big time when it came out. And to be honest, you can sorta see why. But I don't care!
This is a hilarious film, featuring many an Australian actor and comedian, such as Bob Franklin, Rhys Muldoon, Shaun Micalef and Colin Lane.
The story is fairly silly, with Jimeoin taking the lead as a nobody who dreams of being an ... extra? Well, he wants to be famous but so far has only managed to land one job as an extra. One of the reasons it prbably fell as it did would be that the plot is very confusing at times and goes all out crazy in the climax, but that's what makes the film funny. Check it out if you haven't seen it, you might be surprised and laugh.
6. Danny Deckchair (2003)
It's a simple enough story, but the way the film is shot is moving, the romance between the two leads builds effectively, there is good music and the script, while predictable, has some good parts and is funny. One of the best romantic comedies and one of my favourites. And it has Rhys Ifans doing a fairly believable Aussie accent. Even though it does have a few flaws, they are so unnoticeable I can't actually think of any to put in this review. As I said first up, this is a lovely film, and pretty underrated. I know the copy of it I have has been very badly looked after. But do look it up, it is a pretty awesome, funny and moving film.
5. You Can't Stop the Murders (2003)
I will be the first to admit that this is certainly a weird film. I think I'll just give the overview that Wikipedia (GOD) gives; 'The plot revolves around a series of Village People themed murders in a small town, and the police who investigate the crimes.'
Yep, that is pretty much it. But the reason this film stands out for me is not just because of its original premise; the acting is great, with Akmal Saleh and Gary Eck taking the leads, the script is side splitting in places, and the way its shot is beautiful. You can actually see what the actors are doing!
This is a little underrated gem, hidden away in op shops and on the bottom of shelves in video stores.If you do happen to find it, watch it! It's quirky, fun and nothing you would've seen before!
4. Bran Nue Dae (2010)
This film was a disappointment to some, and I can sort of see why. It is incredibly silly. And at the same time adressing issues of Aboriginal rights in the midst of a plot straight from a 1930s screwball comedy. And why not! It's satire people!
I adore this film, and in a time when musicals are becoming more and more depressing (Sweeney Todd, Rent and Wicked to name a few), why shouldn't there be something silly that we can watch. Also, it's Australian, and it's focusing on issues that were present in Australia and affect us. Plus, I always find satire to be more effective than drama sometimes. You have to think about what you are actually laughing about. One last love letter to this film, and that is the music. It moves from funny, to loving, to angry so swiftly, and while this might be alienating for some people, it does the job that satire is meant to do; it's meant to keep you thinking, and keep you away from the characters in the film, and I think Bran Nue Dae does this awesomely!
3. Bad Eggs (2003)
I am a big fan of the Late Show, one of Australia's best sketch shows in my opinion. And I'm also a big fan of Tony Martin, the New Zealand comic who we Aussies have stolen as one of our own. So, when I heard about this film which was directed by Martin, and starred Late Show actors Mick Molloy and Judith Lucy and also starred Bob Franklin, Bill Hunter and Shaun Micallef, I was over Jupiter.
And it is hilarious! Another film than bombed when it came out (partly due to the fact it came out around the same time as Crackerjack), this one is about 2 police officers (Molloy and Franklin) and their attempts to uncover a sinister plot in the dark heart of Melbourne (note: description might be slightly romanticised than actual plot).
Anyway, another silly, slightly satirical film that will entertain, and if you watch with the commentary you'll, find out just how familiar and tight the production is. EVERYONE who worked on the film has a cameo, and family of the cast are also there if you look hard enough. Also, Tony Martin gives some of the best commentaries, and you can definitely tell how much he has put into this.
2. Strictly Ballroom (1992)
My favourite Baz Luhrmann film, mainly because it is just as epic as his next films but funnier and a lot less pretentious. Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice are likeable leads and not boring like in most dance/romantic comedy films. Plus Bill Hunter again awesomes the place up, as does Barry Otto and Pat Thomson as Mercurio's parents.
Again, this could be a satirical film, focusing on the lack of freedom in Australian dance competitions, and the couple that try to change the rules. The dancing is superb and the costumes are so over the top! It's a fun and vibrant film that has such well defined characters. That is what really stands out. Every character has a story, and you get to explore them all. Worth the watch and better than any other Luhrmann film.
1. The Castle (1997)
Oh come on! What else could it be? Yeah, it might be the obvious choice, but you can't really call yourself a true Aussie until you have seen this film. This is the quintessential Aussie film, directed by former Late Show actor Rob Sitch, and written by Sitch other Late Show graduates Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner and Jane Kennedy. Starring Michael Caton as Darryl Kerrigan, your typical Aussie bloke, who has to save his family home from being demolished. It also stars Anne Tenney, Sophie Lee, Stephen Curry, Anthony Simcoe and Wayne Hope as the rest of the Kerrigan family, Eric Bana in his first film role, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell and Brian Dawe (including a cameo from Tony Martin, gee this list has a lot of brackets)
Filmed in 11 days on a budget of $19,000, this film was an amazing success, gaining $10 million plus when it was released, and since has become a legend in the history of Australian films.
The thing I love about this film is the feeling of family and community you get out of it. It is very touching how close the characters are, especially the Kerrigan family. It is a genuinely moving film and ... I can't really put it into words! It's just one of those films you have to experience, so if there is one film people should watch off this list, it is most definitely this one!
So, sorry it took so long. But at long last, here it is. Please enjoy, and comment. What are your favourite Aussie films? As I said before, I haven't really seen that many 'classic' Aussie films, but all these ones listed are some of my favourites and if you get the chance, watch some of the ones listed here!
