So this film is clever in many ways because it appeals exactly to the demographic that like to go to the cinema. The story is about life-long friends who gather together for Frank's birthday and explore some unresolved issues only to solidify their relationships further by the end of the film. The film is similar to many English films that have been it's predecessor but it is set in OZ. Rachel Ward does some nice subtle tricks when directing this film and uses the incredible landscape to full effect. It is almost like a tourism to promote NSW. Great performances all around but what would you expect from the seasoned pros in the film. I found the sound track suited the film but the lack of Foley and layering resulted empty atmosphere. It would have been better to invest some money in sound to compliment the beautiful depth of colour and visual images featured in the film. But isn't sound is always the hardest thing to get right on a movie? The story is pretty basic and we are just voyeurs in the life of the wealthy. Would prefer to see real issues explore by characters the Western suburbs than observe a bunch of wealthy blokes in Palm Beach have a late mid-life crisis. And there lies the problem of the film and story - it is a touch pretentious. Why does Rachel Ward think the audience is only interested in middle-upper class people? Or is it just that this is the environment she understands best? I think it is probably that she thought it would be aesthetically pleasing. The result is a stereotyped approached to a genre that has already been done many times over. There is a formula being applied which does work and it works for people who want to see an Aussie version English films. Still a great effort and many delicate touches by the director. Hope it does well for the team that made it. Congrats.
Review of Palm Beach
