history_beckons Reviews

Hail (2011)

An Intense Masterpiece

[10/10 · 21 August 2012]

Hail is a film that sneaks up on you. The experience of viewing it is conversely pleasant and unnerving - it starts and ends as a love story between ex-con Danny and his partner Leanne, but somewhere in between it is an intense exploration of the criminal or psychotic mind. The characters of Leanne and Danny and those around them are so real that it's terrifying - in fact the film contains characters playing themselves in day-to-day situations that brings the practice of using real-life actors to a whole new level. Director Amiel Courtin-Wilson has spoken about his closeness to the main characters of the film, and this is evident and brings a reality to the film that is rare in cinema.

At times the camera work is explorative and experimental, a bit like a Munch painting or something. At other times it feels like fly-on-the- wall documentary. The film is slowly paced which only makes it more intense as it builds to... well, what? You'll have to find out because to give away the ending of this film should be a crime. Rest assured, it will blow you away - from the moment Anthony appears at Leanne and Danny's apartment, Hail becomes a roller-coaster spiraling out of control and taking the audience with it.

To put it simply, Hail is the most intense film that I have ever laid eyes on. It reminds me of Trash and the other Paul Morrissey films but with a documentary vibe. It is a window into an intense relationship between two incredible people, using a Greek tragedy or Shakespearian story to formulate it's viewing experience. It is not for the faint of heart. People have walked out and to be honest it's no surprise, but in the hardness of this film to watch lies its masterpiece.

Congratulations must be given to all involved in this film. Let us hope that it is given the opportunity to be seen and appreciated as the Australian classic that it is.

Fire in Babylon (2010)

Good film that could have been better

[6/10 · 16 January 2012]

Fire In Babylon is a documentary about the West Indian cricket team and their rise from cricketing lightweights to world dominators. There are elements of the film that are superb - its linking the teams determination to succeed to historical oppression, and the significance of the team to the region of the West Indies, provide insights that resonate. Furthermore, the film has selected a fantastic group of West Indians to interview - their passion for the team, outlined through story-telling and song, help the viewer to really see how much this team meant to its fans.

The problem with the film is that it only thinly describes the historical facts. As a cricket fan who knows little of this period, I still feel that I understand very little of the test matches that the West Indies played throughout its dominant period. The great innings, the great bowling spells, comebacks and sledging battles are only breezed over, and as a result the viewer is left with the sense of understanding the side to be dominant through its ferocious bowling attack, but understanding little of the actual games themselves.

Despite this it's a fantastic documentary and highly recommended.

Corroboree (2007)

A visual feast that grows on you - think Campion crossed with Van Sant

[10/10 · 4 June 2009]

I thought this was a fantastic film, something of a cross between a Gus Van Sant and an early Jane Campion film. While others may find the lack of clarity frustrating, I found it mesmerising - it almost feels like a mystery genre piece at times until you realise what is going on.

I thought Conor was excellent in the lead role, I felt a warmth towards him. Some of the scenes were visually intense, particularly when Conor follows the old man up the hill while covered in white paint. The final bloody moments are compelling, and while the message may have been somewhat unclear, it definitely spoke volumes to me about the fear of death, and the beauty of art. I found the realistic acting style of Conor so refreshing - his confidence and awkwardness were so akin to real life and I thought he brought a refreshing take on acting to the film.

And as for the visuals, the film was stunning. Colour, light and setting were all used perfectly. I look forward to more from Hackmore in the future.