I was told about this film by a friend shortly before its first Melbourne screening and I decided to drag myself along to see it.
Low budget features are always a tough view as you never know exactly what you are going to get...
The film tells the story of a seriously dysfunctional family who are brought together for the birthday of the family patriarch. Over an afternoon of food, drink and fighting we get to the bottom of all their issues.
I found this film pretty tough going. The first half in particular was a real challenge as the narrative just wasn't quite there. Once the family sat down to lunch and the ensemble kicked into gear it became easier and by the time we were into the dinner sequence I felt I was in sync with the movie.
What's right with it: The strong lead performance by Stephen Costan really centers the movie and gives it strength and dignity (far beyond what it deserves) and the digital photography is quite wonderful in places (the back lit lunch sequence is probably the best scene in the film for visuals).
What's wrong with it: Some clunky dialogue and terrible direction and editing. The film really feels like it needs to be quicker in the first third and then should have been allowed to breath in the last two acts.
While the lead performance and couple of the supporting players are great the film is drowned by two performances which are over the top and out of place. Ivanka Sokol as the second wife is simply not believable and Tom McCathie as the eldest son is dangerously on the edge of camp.
Where can I find it: I don't think you can get it on DVD but you could probably find out more information about it at Harmless Pictures website.
Low budget features are always a tough view as you never know exactly what you are going to get...
The film tells the story of a seriously dysfunctional family who are brought together for the birthday of the family patriarch. Over an afternoon of food, drink and fighting we get to the bottom of all their issues.
I found this film pretty tough going. The first half in particular was a real challenge as the narrative just wasn't quite there. Once the family sat down to lunch and the ensemble kicked into gear it became easier and by the time we were into the dinner sequence I felt I was in sync with the movie.
What's right with it: The strong lead performance by Stephen Costan really centers the movie and gives it strength and dignity (far beyond what it deserves) and the digital photography is quite wonderful in places (the back lit lunch sequence is probably the best scene in the film for visuals).
What's wrong with it: Some clunky dialogue and terrible direction and editing. The film really feels like it needs to be quicker in the first third and then should have been allowed to breath in the last two acts.
While the lead performance and couple of the supporting players are great the film is drowned by two performances which are over the top and out of place. Ivanka Sokol as the second wife is simply not believable and Tom McCathie as the eldest son is dangerously on the edge of camp.
Where can I find it: I don't think you can get it on DVD but you could probably find out more information about it at Harmless Pictures website.
