13.4.2 Films: Comedy
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This article is from the soc.culture.australian FAQ, by Stephen Wales with numerous contributions by others.
13.4.2 Films: Comedy
Bliss (1985) High-powered businessman has a major heart attack, sees
himself dying, the revives - which changes his entire outlook on life.
After a dynamic opening this stylized satire slows to a snail's pace
and loses its thrust. Australian Academy award winner and international
film festival favourite.
The Cars That Ate Paris (1974) Peter Weir. The poor people of Paris
(Paris, Australia) keep the economy going by inducing traffic
accidents and selling the spare parts/scrap metal. Iffy black comedy
has its moments. (in US released as The Cars That Eat People?)
"Crocodile" Dundee (1986) Paul Hogan. Amiable, laid-back comedy (that
became an enormous world-wide hit) about an adventurer who shows a
pretty American reporter around the bush country, then accompanies her
to the equally strange terrain of New York City. Irresistibly simple
and old-fashioned, with a sweetness that's rare in modern comedies.
[Unfortunately this is all most Americans know about Australia. AN]
"Crocodile" Dundee II (1988) Sequel, not too bad.
Don's Party (1976) Bruce Beresford. Powerful black comedy about the
interaction - sexual and otherwise - about a group of young
suburbanites who get together to watch election returns. Stunning
direction, superb performances by all; biting script by David
Williamson, from his play.
Flirting: director John Duigan
Malcolm (1986) Charming, disarmingly off-beat comedy about a
slow-witted young man with a genius for mechanical devices and his
unusual entry into a life of crime. Australian film institute winner
for best Picture.
Norman Loves Rose (1982) Ok comedy of teenager Owen who becomes
enamoured with sister-in-law Kane. She becomes pregnant and who is the
father?
Rikky and Pete (1988) Pete is a misfit with a penchant for gimmicky
inventions, Rikki is his sister who is still trying to find herself;
together they flee to a remote mining town where their lives take some
unexpected turns. Followup to Malcolm by the same director and writer,
hasn't the same sweetness or consistency but it's admirably quirky.
Strictly Ballroom. Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio), one of Australia's
best ballroom dancers, is on-target for a number of championships
until he starts to dance from the heart, abandoning the Dance
Federation's rigid steps in favour of his own moves. His partner Liz
(Gia Carides) leaves him and Scott is forced to take up with an
amateur. Fran (Tara Morice) matches Scott's zest for life, but one
question hangs over them as they teach each other about life, love,
and dancing: can they win by rejecting tradition?
Touch and Go (1980)
Young Einstein (1988) Nutty comedy based on the premise that Einstein
not only developed the theory of relativity, but invented rock 'n
roll. The silliness continues from there... but any movie that
contains 'cat pies' can't be all bad.
The Year my Voice Broke:director John Duigan
Muriel's Wedding (1994)
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
The Coca-Cola Kid
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