andfuture knight
I really enjoyed this film; If "enjoyed" is the right word.... I think it must have been really hard to play for the actor who played Len, when it all comes down to it, he is a VERY, VERY, SAD man. In the scene when len is sitting on phil's bed and he says "it's like a metaphor" if I was phil I would have continued the convo by saying "you know, I think that's the most intelligent thing you have EVER said......." I also think more could have been made of len's feelings about his dad, it was briefly touched on near the end but not really dealt with, also when len is about to be abandoned by meat, meat doesn't really help him by re-assuring him that it will be OK, he just continues to act really dumb, but I suppose that's in meat's character, he knows how to be a best friend but he can't do anything else! but apart from those things I think it was a cool film and very disturbing.
Paul Creeden
I assume the low average score for this title is due to the difficult and realistically portrayed subject of sexual confusion stemming from paternal abuse. Matt Levett, as Smithy, does an impressive job conveying the internal turmoil of a conflicted young man. The editing of some key scenes was awkwardly done, adding confusion about time lines. But Levett's acting maintained my interest. He carries the film.I appreciate the film's ability to make sexy Smithy's dysfunctional sexuality stand out against the upbeat backdrop of a bustling gay entertainment district. This was an intelligent element. Less intelligent was the overly prolonged beach scene toward the end of the film. After a while, it had the flavor of bad soft pornography, while too subtly touching upon Smithy's victimization (presumably by his brutal father) which he appears to be acting out with Phil. Phil's passivity hints at his own possible history of sexual abuse. The use of the Meat character as more neutral observer wasn't really effective.
Charlie Rev
This is a front runner for one of the best films I've seen this year. The story is quite intense and the telling of the three main characters through non chronological order just adds more depth, suspense and intensity. I can't say enough about two dynamics that really make the film. The characters and actors have great chemistry with each other and make the story very believable. Secondly, the cinematography and film editing really are something to behold. Matt Levett plays one of the most intense characters I have seen this year with great believe- ability. But rest assured, he doesn't steal scenes from Jack Matthews or Harry Cook. All three play off each other brilliantly.
Lisa Hutchinson
let me start by saying i went to the premiere in sydney this week and expected another run of the mill Australian film with a gay theme that interested me. i had no idea that i would be leaving with my heart in pieces and mascara running down my face. this is one of the most raw, honest and brilliant films that has graced the Australian cinema scene in years. the three standouts in this film were len (played by matt levett), meat (played by harry cook) and the beautiful cinematography (by dean francis). matts performance as the brutal repressed len does a great job and you can really sense his inner turmoil. harrys performance is stunning as well as he plays a three dimensional character that really makes you feel for him and his struggle to confront his best friend in a situation that he knows is wrong. i don't want to give too much away but just wanted to say how great it was to see such strong talent in an Australian film both in front and behind the camera. i think it will go on to do very well overseas and here in Australia. the three i mentioned above deserve some kind of award for their work. are logies for films too or is it just TV? who knows. but either way it was a great film.
AD
