Adri Smith
I found this film to be not so much enjoyable to watch, it was intense. I did not agree with other reviewers that the way was making any attempt at misandry. She simply got her point across, in a very calculated manner. I did not find her mentally ill. She's an ignored wife, and she expressed how she felt about it. There is nothing wrong with that. Perhaps her way of doing it was beyond what anyone would imagine could happen to them on their birthday. It' s easy to see that Steve is absorbing her message, he has no real choice. He felt trapped, alone, confused, and isolated. It may be exactly what Alexandra had been feeling for quite some time. I gave it an 8 because it's like nothing I'd ever seen in a film before. I could relate to Alexandra, I once was in that kind of isolated place. Although I simply left.
bob_meg
I don't know what they have in the water down under, but chances are if you're watching an indie film that shocks you, arrests you, and amazes you with its innovation, at least over the past five years or so, it's come from Australia. From "Wolf Creek" to "Envy" to "The Square," one thing these films don't do is bore you with what you've already seen before. Props to the Australian Film Commission for backing such ballsy work."Alexandra's Project" begins with a nicely ominous tracking shot of a suburban neighborhood, eerily offset by Graham Tardif's dark ambient film score. You know something's not quite right with either bored suburban mom Alexandra (a fearless performance by Helen Buday) or her self-absorbed businessman/husband Steve (Gary Sweet) as he sets off for work on his birthday.He plans to come home, share the fabulous news of his promotion with his wife and kids and instead...finds a vacant house with no power...except to the TV and VCR on which his wife has videotaped his birthday "present." To say more would be unfair, as this movie should be experienced with no expectations from the plot whatsoever...and trust me, you'll not expect what happens. It's sick, twisted, and yet oddly poetic in its justice.The best way to summarize it would be that it's an extension of the Peter Gallagher Watching the Tape scene from Soderbergh's 1989 indie classic "sex, lies, and videotape." It shares a lot of sensibility with that film and much of its inherent power.If you enjoy (way) offbeat thrillers and indie cinema in general, this one's a keeper.
kosmasp
The movie starts pretty powerful and suspenseful. But the problem is the twist in the story. And while others do talk about it here, I'm not going the spoiler road. But I will tell you, that everything falls apart with that twist. The main problem being that the viewers feelings have to change (for the characters). But it does not go the full way, so most actions seem ridiculous.Of course you could argue, that some of the things have been done in other movies, without any reasons (none that we are told or as slim as those portrayed here ... slim for the mayhem it seems to have kicked off). But we're not talking about other movies, we are talking about this one. The way the movie starts leaves a few things open. But the way it decides to go, is a path with no redemption. Still nicely done, but not my cup of tea.
NoGreenGus
Wow! This one takes a page out of Takashi Miike's "Audition" and throws a little Lorena Bobbitt into the mix, Australian style. The film is undeniably well-made. The acting is superb by both leads, and the direction is taut and methodical with a distinct visual style. The contemporary, bitter female "man-hater" is redefined here. We get a very close look at an extremely disturbed woman, and extremely disturbed women can cause a lot of problems, even in reality! I admire the film for its inventiveness and risk-taking attitude. I always appreciate that in a film, whether I end up enjoying it or not. Guys, it might not be a good idea to watch this one with the ladies, but if you're a true cineaste like myself, I'd give it a try.
AD
