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michael.james
Reviews
Lantana (2001)
The best Australian film for a decade
This perfectly crafted and superbly under-wrought film examines issues of life, love and the threat of loneliness that few Australian film makers (Paul Cox exempted) have been able to address with subtlety. Cast with seamless care, this ensemble showcases some of the most under-rated acting talent on the planet.
Spring Forward (1999)
A simply beautiful, simple film.
I had the pleasure of seeing Spring Forward at the Melbourne Film Festival (one of the three oldest in the world) and found it a welcome change of pace from Hollywood fare. Despite taking us on a journey through the four seasons (from Spring forward) in under two hours, it never hurries, choosing instead to meander through the simple lives of two simple men to show us just how complicated the most simple of lives can be. Ned Beatty is as fabulous as his best performances in Homicide while Leiv Schrieber delivers a performance of subtle depth.
Boiler Room (2000)
When you've nothing left to sell, sell out!
I just loved it. The first 20 minutes were just brilliant to look at. The pace slowed but that suited the story and the performance were so strong that it more than compensated for its slower moments. The soundtrack is a killer.