Change Your Image
bettesmansion
Reviews
Little Fish (2005)
a sentimental journey
This film is closer to defining an inexplicable cinematic logic than previous glossy efforts Lantana and Sommersault, but the treatment of subject still lacks authentic voice or original vision.
All the performances are outstanding -- but the casting (particularly of Cate Blanchett as an x-junkie) feel reminiscent of masterworks theatre version of kitchen sink working class drama. Add Sam Neill and Noni -- and there is definitely something theatrical about the casting choices. However -- all actors do their stellar best to invoke/convey appropriate emotions. Hugo, however, manages to rise above the script's tawdry dialogue to find some truth and humour in the material.
On the subject of scenario / dialogue: Australian film of late has been obsessed by external plot and this one film DOES suffer also from this problem. The writer / script-editors have overfed this monster with too many allusions to drama, hitches and heists without any real internal conflict.
There is one sequence that almost works cinematically -- Blanchett's character entering the theatre undecided about what to do with the drugs. This is the one time the director trusts the audience to be intelligent enough to make their own opinions about the motivation of the characters internal world. It is also the one time we see her character feel a bit dirty and human....not the do-gooding martyr we so often see on the Australian screen.
All the stuff with the pool (underwater et al) and the references to the title "Little Fish" feel horribly forced/sentimental and bear no real emotional or intellectual impact for this audience member. However -- much of this fault can be blamed on the overly graphic/advertising cinema style. Funky colourisation, dutch tilts, unnecessary cutting for adrenalin/pace issues create a montage effect that is both dull and heartless.
And while the final sequence is more reminiscent of a private medical health fund commercial than something of great truth or cinematic originality...a bold untainted heart still manages to rise from the material. For this -- the film should be congratulated.
The second film from the director of The Boys is a slight disappointment but not altogether terrible. Perhaps he was missing the genius and guiding influence of Wenham on set.
Look Both Ways (2005)
a trying effort
Something I really love about this woman's short films was the elusiveness of theme -- especially in "Living with Happiness." This film has some nice beginnings -- unusual location and the potential for a strange cinematic treatment, but fails to succeed with clunky expositional dialogue, patchy performances and very television coverage.
It's once again charming television and very ordinary cinema. The ideas are so fleshed out that they almost feel pat like a television commercial. But the sentiment is good so we can't complain too much.
I really would love to see this director make a full length animation and try and work with a producer who doesn't demand so much boring clarity.