MovieChat Forums > Spotswood (1992) Discussion > 'Not a Must-see?' Have your head examine...

'Not a Must-see?' Have your head examined.

posted 17 years ago by tiptop-1
14 replies | jump to latest

Whoever thinks this film isn't a gem needs to seek professional help. Perhaps you've been exposed to too many formulaic American movies with big fiery car crashes and fistfights and brilliant soundtrack when the heroes/heroines drive off into the sunset. Open your eyes and let this movie sink in. Anthony Hopkins is flawless; Russell Crowe is young & skinny, but still evolving, and the supporting cast is warm & witty. I recommend this film to everyone I meet looking for a sleeper hit, even if it is an oldie. Watch it again if you don't believe me.

[–] theludman 17 years ago

This movie is a little gem. I just saw it for the first time tonight and am glad I took the chance on it.

[–] kubrickfan-4 17 years ago

After all this years, Anthony Hopkins is still my favourite actor. Russel Crowe is exellent here, also Ben Mendelsohn. Also, exellent music and screenplay. Brilliant movie!

[–] gwendyloo 17 years ago

I totally agree. I first saw this film when I was little, and I didn't think much of it at the time. Now it's among my favourites. I do think Russell Crowe is playing himself though!

[–] nutsberryfarm 12 years ago

hopkins is great in this.

sake happens

[–] nagmashdriver 16 years ago

Couldn't agree with you more. This movie is a gem that never loses it's luster. And a young Russel Crowe who is playing an *beep* little did we know he'd become one in the years to come!! Anthony Hopkins shows us that he can play any part to perfection. And of course, we all root for the quirky natives to win over the slick big-city robber barons.

[–] geoh777 16 years ago

I've never seen an Australian film I didn't like (okay, I didn't like My Brillint Career when I was much younger, but think it's great now) and this film is definitely no exception. Anthony Hopkins (an honorary Australian?) was brilliant as ever, the girls were cute, it was good to see Toni Collette in her first role.

Just superb.

From the U.S. (waves, and smiles [too much])

[–] tueewuee 16 years ago

Not only was it Toni Collette's first role in a movie, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress by the Australian Film Industry.

[–] Corthier 15 years ago

Yes, I've seen it a few times now, and it gets better and deeper with every viewing. Much like Hopkins's character learns to slow down long enough to recognize the humanity gumming up the works, so too must someone who views this movie.

Spotswood is one of those small towns that exist only in the movies, but that I'd like to call home.

[–] andii-valo 14 years ago

My favourite part of this movie is the beautiful P6 Rover 3500 (V8) driven by Hopkins' character. I couldn't tell if it was a manual box (S) or not, but in British Racing Green too! Sublime. I've owned several of these classic cars and it was a joy to watch it go (except where it got the 'paint job').

Oh, and Russell Crowe is another favourite part.

www.ghostfiremusic.com

[–] mcgmcgmcg 8 years ago

Spotswood is an actual suburb of Melbourne.
At the foot of the West Gate bridge which is seen at the end of the movie.
Was working class and still is to an extent but has been gentrified the last 10-15 years.

No cash here!! Here, no cash!!! Cash, no!!!! Robbo? No Cash!

[–] cameron-whyte 7 years ago

Funnily enough. The bridge did not exist when the film was set.

[–] mcgmcgmcg 7 years ago

Yeah noticed that.
Also the Gasometers or whatever they are called had 'Mobil One' on them.
And the city skyline is wrong as well.

No cash here!! Here, no cash!!! Cash, no!!!! Robbo? No Cash!

[–] cameron-whyte 10 years ago

Hated it when I was a kid but now I am older, I think it is a very good film.

[–] Jes' Sayin' (5947) 9 months ago

It is formulaic, but I liked it anyway. 8/10

There was a rather similar film with Michael Keaton called Gung Ho.