"Eliza Fraser" is an enjoyable, bawdy yarn in the style of "Tom Jones" from the previous decade. It tells the true story of a lady and her husband who ended up separated from the colonial civilisation of early 19th century Australia and lived for a time with the Aboriginal people, before eventually rejoining society and making a living telling their embellished tale on the carnival circuit.
This was the most expensive movie produced in Australia at the time, and the budget shows in costume, set design, acting and screenplay. The movie features known Aussie stalwarts like Bruce Spence, John Waters, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell and Bill Hunter. There was an (of course) nude cameo by the always naked and always forgettable Abigail, but I think I missed it.
The screenplay also really shines, by noted Australian playwright David Williamson. It brings all the characters to the fore except for one - the titular Eliza Fraser, and this is where a fault with the movie lies. Apparently Charlotte Rampling was turned down for the role because she wasn't a comedic actress, but from what we see of the lady who played Fraser, she wasn't either. But then again, she isn't given anything funny to do.
It is a problem when the main character is the least interesting in the movie, but with so much other talent on hand, you still can't really go wrong with "Eliza Fraser".
This was the most expensive movie produced in Australia at the time, and the budget shows in costume, set design, acting and screenplay. The movie features known Aussie stalwarts like Bruce Spence, John Waters, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell and Bill Hunter. There was an (of course) nude cameo by the always naked and always forgettable Abigail, but I think I missed it.
The screenplay also really shines, by noted Australian playwright David Williamson. It brings all the characters to the fore except for one - the titular Eliza Fraser, and this is where a fault with the movie lies. Apparently Charlotte Rampling was turned down for the role because she wasn't a comedic actress, but from what we see of the lady who played Fraser, she wasn't either. But then again, she isn't given anything funny to do.
It is a problem when the main character is the least interesting in the movie, but with so much other talent on hand, you still can't really go wrong with "Eliza Fraser".