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Reviews
The King's Speech (2010)
Beautifully scripted, directed and acted thoughtfull film
Last night I saw The Kings Speech with no understanding of the history behind the story of what I was going to see. As I watched the film unfold I cried as well as laughed. I learnt that being part of the Royal family gave no safety against being abused, love of parent being witheld or a buffer against the bullying by others, including members of your own family as a child or an adult, ending up causing health and emotional problems as an adult.
I also learnt that a man who is effectively isolated by position can find support and friendship with someone that they never thought they would ever come into contact with, and that person would be there to support you in what would end up being your defining moments written down in history.
Colin Firth and Geoffry Rush both give multi layered performances. One as a man whose position in life thrusts him into an area he doesn't wish to be in, but accepts it with a resolution that makes him find a strength that no-one, including himself, ever believed he had. And another man whose position in life is one of empathy and support to help the other to find it in himself to overcome his fears.
I loved this film and I recommend it to others, not just for the historical story it portrays, but for the real human emotions and the mirror it holds up to how real friendship can be built between two people and end up enriching both their lives.
A Fine Madness (1966)
Appallingly bad film
When actors look back on their life's work, there will be film that they will wonder why they ever agreed to be part of it.
I suspect that this might be the case with this film for two very fine and talented actors. Sean Connery and Joanne Woodward.
The central premise of a self centred, self obsessed, wife abusing poet called Samson being chased for various reasons by various people and creating havoc is a limp plot. Even for the 1960's.
As usual Sean Connery plays Sean Connery, but without his usual charismatic charm. Joanne Woodward's shrill whine becomes annoying after ten minutes of listening to it, and the supporting actors all look slightly embarrassed, as if the director just said, "Go for it, we've got James Bond, so it should be a hit." Not even a slightly good film, not even slightly a bad film, just an appallingly terrible film.
Erskineville Kings (1999)
Powerful and impressive Drama that will make you think
The first time I watched Erskinville Kings was due to the fact that I am a Hugh Jackman fan, and I was aware that this was his first film. I have to tell you that as soon as it finished I started watching it again, and sat through it mesmerised.
All the actors in this strong emotional drama give amazing performances, especially Hugh Jackman and Marty Denniss,(who also wrote the screenplay under a pseudonym).
Each character seems so real, the setting gritty and realistic, the photography superb and the direction excellent. The scenes in the pub seem to get more and more claustrophobic as the film progresses, matching the interplay between the two main actors as their defences come down and hard truths come out.
The story builds to an emotional and gut-wrenching climax between the two brothers played by Jackman and Denniss, where we find that the younger brother is not the only one damaged by their dysfunctional childhood.
If you get your hands on the DVD watch the audition tapes of all the actors in special features. The two audition scenes that Jackman plays are stunning and different to how he played the same scenes in the finished film.
I personally rate this, along side 'The Fountain', as Hugh Jackmans best acting on screen.
Correlli (1995)
Character Driven Prison Drama that doesn't hold back
I recently acquired the DVD set showing all 10 episodes of this Australian Prison Drama starring Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman (in his first role after finishing Drama School).
Each of the 10 episodes has an individual story, whilst other continual stories and characters thread throughout the episodes, allowing you to build an interest in these prisoners stories and how their lives have unravelled.
There is no holding back with regards the experiences and difficulties of living within the confines of prison life, for both prisoners and the prison staff, and each actor or actress gives a strong performance.
Male rape, drugs, violence and stress are part of everyday life, and the beautifully acted scene by Hugh Jackman confessing to his Psycologist, played by Furness, that he cannot cope with going back to living in Maximum shows the future brilliance that is the mark of a really great actor as he runs through various emotions in the one scene.
Watching Jackman and Furness's characters sexual tension as they are attracted to each other is undeniable (they met, fell in love during the making of this series) and the final episode especially strong.
Each of the main prisoner characters that run continually through the episodes are believable and well acted, especially Jackman's young cell mate, who gives a wonderful performance as the first timer trying to be tough but inside falling apart.
Well worth watching if you can get your hands on the DVD set.