The Rover

Straight out of the future Australian Outback The Rover will intrigue you from the moment it starts; captivating its audience with its overpowering use of sound, in particular the stark contrast between silence, dialogue and music. The sound was almost used to cut between scenes, which made them almost seem jumpy but in a good way, you hear every breath and every footstep.

This deliberate use of distinct sound sits well with the pace of the film; there is no particular rush to the story. It’s a bit like Dude Where’s My Car in as much as there’s this dude, played by the extraordinarily talented Guy Pearce, looking for his car. Admittedly that is where the similarity ends, as it is gritty and dark not ridiculous or funny. Even for the most desensitised of audiences this film has the ability to shock with its sudden graphic violence.

Another shock was the acting, having previously avoided all films starring Robert Pattison, it was a surprise to see how unbelievably talented he is.  Pattison gives an almost Oscar worthy performance as the vulnerable young Rey, wiping the floor with Guy Pearce’s portrayal of the hardened loner Eric, a massive feat in itself.  He is definitely much more than a pretty face, which he actually hides quite well in this movie.

In fact there is nothing pretty about this film, not the actors, not the story, not the sound, which makes the Australian Outback a perfect backdrop for it; its barren and full of dull colours, which is also fitting as it is set at a time after an economic collapse.  However this story could have been told at any time, the only difference being the lack of authority, and the heavy hand when they do appear, not necessarily by them either.  There is no other reference for the period other than an opening line explaining that it is 10 years after the collapse, the focus of the story is actually nothing to do with the collapse, its literally just about Eric looking for his car.  

It is very slow and may not keep everyone’s attention throughout, as it could be seen as just one massive drawn out over reaction to a car theft, but go see it if you don’t like midgets, love Guy Pearce and want to be shocked by graphic violence.

All This Mayhem

ALL THIS MAYHEM opened this weekend, it may not be a film you have ever heard of before, but it’s definitely worth a watch.  Not necessarily the need for the big screen, however if you are part of the skateboarding community then get yourself down there, bring your board, get a pint (if you watch it a cinema that are decent enough to serve) and ooo at the tricks alongside your fellow skateboarders.

This documentary follows the lives of the Pappas brothers, from their childhood in Australia to their rise in America and, without spoiling it for those that don’t follow the skating world, let’s just say right through to the end of their careers.

In true documentary style this film combines interviews, home video and TV footage to give a rounded picture of the lives of Ben and Tas Pappas; it really shows the passion they have for each other and for their chosen sport, from being suburban “bogan’s” to comp circuit world champions.

This portrayal may sound like an honest one of brotherhood and elation, which it is, but as with all good things, they do come to an end.  However in the case of the Pappas brothers, not quite the end the skating world expected. 

Accompanied by amazingly frank narration from Tas himself, a great soundtrack and with some brutally honest revelations you should go see this if you are NOT a fan of Tony Hawk, love skateboarding and not afraid to get a little emotional in front of your friends.

RIP RW

Today the world lost yet another comic genius, academy award winner, Robin Williams.  For people of our generation one of their earliest TV memories will be of watching the amazing Mork and Mindy, then growing up with classic films such as Hook, Toys and Mrs Doubtfire; then getting older and realising the wealth of talent Robin Williams really has when watching films such as Good Will Hunting and One Hour Photo.

When someone dies no words can express the emotions, but as the internet floods with quotes and condolences, a rather poignant one stood out that Robin said in an interview a few years ago on Inside the Actors Studio:

‘If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?’

‘The concert begins at 5:00.  It’ll be Mozart, Elvis, and anyone of your choosing.  There’s seating near the front’.

And Classic FM posted this with the comment ‘Farewell Robin Williams. Enjoy the Concert’.

A local Nott’s writer, put on their status in honour of him today, that “if a man as wonderful as you cannot find a way to laugh anymore, then the whole world is fucked”.  To some extent I agree with this and 100% agree with the sentiment, but its forgetting one thing, Robin Williams was suffering from an illness, an illness that is terminal to a higher per cent than people care to acknowledge or think about.  Robin Williams was suffering from Manic Depression, and suicide is a symptom, Robin Williams died of Depression; so to those people out there who have the inhumanity to say that suicide is selfish, consider that for a while.  I am not saying that all suicide is a result of Depression, and some suicides could be seen as selfish.  But Robin died a very poorly man, don’t let how he died detract from his amazing career and life.