The first real effort from the notorious Boulevard Pictures. It's a perfectly fine mediocre weepy with some fine aspects: the basic story, its lovel of theater, John Waters is sold in the lead, Kym Gyngell is excellent in support, Melbourne rarely looked more beautiful.
The script needed another draft - a reality wash. Like, why not make Waters a film director or singer. Why have Waters be cut off from his kid (Jacinta Stapleon)? It's mean of Waters to have not seen his kid for three years, for his ex to go along with it and insist it's still the case, and for her new lover (Andrew McFarlane) to not want him to be in contact.
I wish they'd done another pass. Could've given Waters a more realistic job. Given Nicki Paull's character a stronger reason to be with them (have them fall in love... I quite liked the relationship). Be up front about him dying... let us know straight away. Borrow the Dark Victory template... have him learn the news, deny it, act badly, then improve as a person. The original idea to have Waters sacrifice his love and get his wife back with her boyfriend would've been stronger - more noble. As it is he's selfish. He breaks up a decent relationship because he's selfish.
A film with a lot of potential. I just wish Frank Howson had gotten a co writer. Support cast full of interesting people like Ian McFadyen.
No comments:
Post a Comment