Two of Australia’s foremost artists have been the director Jim Sharman (Rocky Horror Picture Show, original Australian stage productions of Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar) and the writer Patrick White (1973 Nobel Prize for Literature). They had already worked together in the theatre when they decided to team up for this fascinating cult movie about a young woman (Kerry Walker) who claims to have been attacked by a prowler. Flashbacks reveal her oppressive home life, notably her ambitious mother (Ruth Cracknell) and anxious dad (John Frawley), and she ends up donning black leather and stalking Centennial Park.
Very different, especially for an Australian film, and as unique as you would expect from White and Sharman. The first half comes off best, with sharp comic moments, although the final ten minutes are also incredibly strong. Superb acting (the leads all look like they are really related) and always interesting.
Like a lot of White’s work, not an obvious crowd-pleaser but it is worth the effort. This film was shamefully treated by critics on its initial release, which killed its commercial chances on the arthouse circuit. The DVD includes some great special features: an enlightening audio commentary with Sharman and Walker, and an excellent AFTRS short film, Freestyle.
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