Murrabinna

Justin Schneider's film is an oddity whish, whilst one would not describe it as successful has a certain offbeat appeal. Made for $7,360 with a single Mini Digital video camera and one mike it sets off into Neighbours territory as its main characters, 3 typical Aussie blokes, go house-sitting in the 'burbs with surprising results.

Produced under the aegis of a development fund set up by video distributors, Tribe, from which this was the only thing produced before it folded, what is most evident is that whilst Schneider has plenty of get-up-and-go (he was writer, producer, director, camera operator and editor) he is severely wanting in style. This affects all levels of the film - script, acting, direction, photography, just to name the main ones, and leaves one perplexed as to just what one is watching - reality television or soapie. Either way it is at best televisual qulaity. Whilst not in itself satisfying this does give the film a twisted appeal, not a little abetted by the performance of Richard Ferry, as Roy, an overweight car dealer and chronic cynic who delivers his dyspeptic and often funny lines with dead-pan aplomb.

 

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