FILMS ... with Tim Milfull
The Tall Man (M)
Rating: 4/5
80-minutes, screening from 17 November
Bound to polarise audiences with its controversial examination of the death in custody of Cameron Doomadgee on Queensland’s Palm Island in 2004, writer-director Tony Krawitz’s adaptation of Chloe Hooper’s award-winning book The Tall Man will surprise some viewers.
The film recently screened to sold-out audiences at the Brisbane International Film Festival, and rekindled debate about an issue that divided many Queenslanders. Krawitz and his producer Darren Dale – who also produced the fine documentary series First Australians – initially agonised over the format of their adaptation before deciding to allow the facts, along with the people involved, to help audiences themselves to make up their own minds about what happened in 2004.
While Cameron Doomadgee’s voice is understandably absent in the film’s story, and Senior Sergeant Christopher Hurley declined to be interviewed by either Hooper or the filmmakers, the documentary uses the considerable research and eventual findings of three coronial inquiries – featuring the recorded testimony of Hurley himself – to illuminate what happened in that small corridor in an isolated police station in one of the most troubled communities in Australia.
Krawitz and Dale further enlighten their audience with frank testimonials from Cameron Doomadgee’s family and friends, and reveal through interviews with the Queensland Police Union—and the rather unlikely source of Indigenous activist, Murandoo Yanner—that in the years leading to his posting on Palm Island, the Senior Sergeant had an exemplary record working closely within remote indigenous communities.
Ultimately, there is only one living person who really knows what happened in that police station in 2004, but for the rest of a community searching for answers and healing, Chloe Hooper’s excellent book and Tony Krawitz’s sensitive adaptation offer one step closer to understanding.
Amateurs meld powerful, engaging yarn
The Orator (PG)
Rating: 4/5
106-minutes, screening from 17 November
Billed as the world’s first Samoan feature film, writer-director, Tusi Tamasese’s beautiful story The Orator had its Australian premiere in front of sold-out audiences at the Brisbane International Film Festival.
Deliberately set away from the idyllic beaches of Samoa, Tamasese’s story easily could have occurred any time in the last few hundred yeas (if not for the occasional appearance of a 4WD!) The Orator relates the experiences of a taciturn, thirtysomething small person struggling to maintain some dignity in the face of bigotry and intolerance in a small village.
Each morning, Saili (Fa’afiaula Sagote) heads off to tend the graves of his parents after his nightly role guarding the local grocery store. But bullying taro farmers are encroaching on the gravesite with their crops, and rather forcefully insist that Saili relocate his parents closer to his home, which has its own share of problems. Saili’s wife, Vaaiga (Tausili Pushparaj) is under pressure from her estranged family to return to her former village after a lifetime in banishment for a youthful indiscretion, while her daughter Litia (Salamasina Mataia) seems determined to repeat the “sins” of her mother.
When circumstances reach a tipping point, Saili finds himself pressured to assume the traditional mantle of an orator to defend the honour of his family and his village.
Working with a predominantly non-professional cast, Tamasese has created a powerful, engaging story that asks its audience to work with the director to find an understanding of traditional Samoan ritual.
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of The Orator, apart from the gorgeous cinematography and sound design, is the subtly dignified performance of Fa’afiaula Sagote, who prior to meeting Tamasese had never acted or performed before.
THE BINGE
Hola Mexico Film Festival screening from 1-4 December at Tribal Theatre
Burning Man (MA15+) screening from 17 November
Outrage (MA15+) now available through Madman
The Trip (MA15+) now available through Madman
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but at the moment I’m nearly “filmed” out after watching a hundred or so films over the last few months in preparation for BIFF, and previewing many more for a series of other festivals visiting Brisbane.
I’ve mentioned the Brazil Film Festival – which runs from 16-20 November at Palace Cinemas – and now is a good time to point out the Hola Mexico Film Festival, which opens at Tribal Theatre on 1 December.
Recently, I had the pleasure of conducting a Q&A with Australian writer-director Jonathan Teplitzky (Better than Sex and Getting’ Square) about his striking new film Burning Man starring Matthew Goode (A Single Man) and Bojana Novakovic.
It features some remarkable performances and absolutely beautiful imagery and sound design, and I’m loathe to say anymore for fear of spoiling a carefully crafted story of redemption. Trust me, this film deserves recognition at the highest levels.
While we’re speaking of well-made cinema, Outrage is Japanese director Takeshi Kitano’s latest film, and as usual, the master hasn’t strayed far from the subject of gangsters. This story of a yakuza under-boss caught up in internecine battle between two gangs counterpoints shocking violence with some very funny situations involving extortion.
And for a remedy to all the drama and violence of Burning Man and Outrage, DVD lovers might consider Steven Soderbergh’s contemplative comedy, The Trip, which reunites Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon playing slightly exaggerated versions of themselves, as they negotiate the wilds of England’s Lakes Region on a tour of its great restaurants. Featuring some hilarious conversations and angst, this filmic adaptation of the TV series of the same name is well worth a look.
• For information about the Brazil Film Festival and the Hola Mexico Film Festival, visit brazilfilmfestival.com.au and holamexicoff.com/australia
