Charmingly Aussie comedy-musical film - thanks to the energy of the music and dance sequences, the colourful vibrancy of Andrew Lesnie's cinematography and the ebullience of the multi-racial cast. Director Rachel Perkins was old on the idea upon seeing the play in the early '90s, and more than a decade later has worked
with Jimmy Chi to bring it to the big screen. And what a fine job she's done.As an Aborigine, Perkin's affinity with the material is clear, and her heritage provides her with more creative leeway than a non-indigenous director may have enjoyed. For while issues such as death in custody are subtly addressed, so too are stereotypes such as binge drinking in indigenous communities, but in a far more playful fashion than we're used to.Ostensibly, though, such issues play second fiddle to what is essentially a coming-of-age road movie, as teenager Willie attempts to make his way home to Broome from Perth after fleeing his Catholic school. At first glance, a homegrown musical featuring an Australian idol (Jessica Mauboy), a Triple J darling (Missy Higgins) and an unknown (Rocky McKenzie) may not appeal, but all acquit themselves well. Geoffrey Rush has fun as the frightfully Teutonic Father Benedictus, lending the film both credibility and quality, while Ernie Dingo's reprisal of his stage role as Uncle Tadpole is the work of a man both very familiar with, and fond of, the source material. Cameos from Deborah Mailman and Magda Szubanski are fun, frivolous and, therefore, in keeping with the overall feel of the film.
October 26, 2010
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