Review by Margaret Pomeranz “At the Movies” 5th November 2008
The new Australian film MEN'S GROUP was the inaugural winner of the Digi-SPAA competition for independent features shot on digital cameras.As the name suggests it’s about a group of men who come together once a week because each has some sort of issue in their private life.
The meetings take place in the home of the leader Paul, (PAUL GLEESON), and the first one is a trifle strained.There’s the ebullient Alex, (GRANT DODWELL), who can’t seem to deal with his problem son or his gambling, there’s the taciturn Moses, (PAUL TASSONE), the walking time bomb Lucas, (STEVE LE MARQUAND), who has problems with aggression, and Freddy, (STEVE RODGERS), who’s clowning around hides a world of pain. Finally there’s the refined widower Cecil, (DON REID). Together they’re an uncomfortable bunch. Some weeks into the therapy sessions a newcomer arrives. He’s Anthony, (WILLIAM ZAPPA).
My first reaction after I saw MEN'S GROUP was a deep feeling of awe at the depth and standard of performance in this country.They are all so fine, you wouldn’t want to distinguish one from the other. Together they create a tremendously emotional journey. And that’s quite an achievement in an ensemble group.Great casting from co-writer/director Michael Joy who wrote the film with producer John L Simpson.
It was a brave project in many ways because although the script was written, the actors improvised, they knew not a lot about where they were heading.The acting almost makes you forget the irritating handheld camera work which has some truly odd framing.But the narrative arc is satisfying, the father/son thing is such a problem, the loneliness of these men is so palpable and yet the film doesn’t fall into easy clichés or even pat answers.
It’s been very deftly handled in many ways. I was impressed.
Margaret Pomeranz ‘At the Movies’ 5th November 2008
It’s been very deftly handled in many ways. I was impressed.
Margaret Pomeranz ‘At the Movies’ 5th November 2008
No comments:
Post a Comment