"Tom White" has been given only a very limited release in Australia, and this coupled with its unrelenting grimness means it may not achieve the critical
success it deserves.
It's a very fine film, perhaps the best and most substantial Australian film for some time. It's refreshing to find an Australian film that's not cutely folksy or condescending to its characters, subject matter or audience.
The script falters occasionally but is generally tight and convincing. The
photography is stunningly beautiful. Direction and acting are also outstanding and deserve to collect several AFI Awards. Besides Friels' stunning starring role, Hunter and Blake merit special mention . Several other small roles offer varying delights in a film that's both episodic yet well structured in its depiction of the picaresque descent from middle class respectability of the eponymous hero.
success it deserves.
It's a very fine film, perhaps the best and most substantial Australian film for some time. It's refreshing to find an Australian film that's not cutely folksy or condescending to its characters, subject matter or audience.
The script falters occasionally but is generally tight and convincing. The
photography is stunningly beautiful. Direction and acting are also outstanding and deserve to collect several AFI Awards. Besides Friels' stunning starring role, Hunter and Blake merit special mention . Several other small roles offer varying delights in a film that's both episodic yet well structured in its depiction of the picaresque descent from middle class respectability of the eponymous hero.