MovieChat Forums > Oyster Farmer (2005) Discussion > A good idea badly done

A good idea badly done

posted 19 years ago by qouth_the_raven
7 replies | jump to latest

WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOLIER

I liked the idea of this movie: both investigate the working of the oyster industry and explore interpersonal relations but it was simply so bad, technically, that I ended up dislikeing it.

The directing was poor from the opening scene:the guy's been given a come on and he turns away looking as if he's wondering if he left the iron on at home. The slapstick scene with the dead dog was funny but clashed with the dramatic level of the story.

The continuity sucked: In several contiguous scenes Brownie changes, then re-changes jeans. It's supposed to be 40C and he's dressed for midwinter and sleeps under a blanket, I don't think so.

The use of 'civilians' in talking roles simply doesn't work, it detracts from authenticity not adds to it, especially if they are given lines out of character, such as the use of "I'm sorry" where the bloke would have sadi "Sorry, luv". There were other real clangers in the writing too.

I saw the interview with Anna Reeves, she something like she fell in love with the area when she went for a ride in a tinnie (metal boat); perhaps if she'd left behind some of her chardonnay middle class romanticism and actually got to know the 'working classness' of the locals on the Hawkesbury she'd have know how to tell their story.

I bet the locals are kicking themselves for letting her near the place given the doubts that the film implied about compromised water quality from sewerage.

One saving grace: Kerry Armstrong

[–] rohanaroundtheworld 19 years ago

did you actually watch the movie or just sit and scrutinize anything you could lay you american accustomed eyes on. apart from your understanding of the tinnie, you dont have mush else going for you when raising your views on the portrayal of country life. where you expecting and mob of melb socialites to play the actors?
sadly mate, that that was bound to be the direction the movie was steering clear of.

[–] qouth_the_raven 18 years ago

Country life? Gimme a break, it's about 35k from the centre of the CBD. Try heading west for about 4 hours to get a sense of country life.

The movie that *could* have had a *real* local feel (check out The Crossing made in Junee) but it *was* viewed through the eyes of a Melb socialite-type. You obviously didn't see her interviewed on At The Movies.

I do expect reasonable technical qualities. Being Australian is not an excuse for poor film-making.

[–] dugitebite 18 years ago

Yep. When you see some of the good Australian movies around like Somersault and Look Both Ways this one is certainly not up to scratch.

[–] Asterixxxx 18 years ago

dont worry about 'rohanaroundtheworld', he just thinks that because a film is Australian it is automatically superiour and much more intellegent than other films.

For me passing off lack of direction as perceptive is very typically Australian

(PS i am australian)

I am the third Coen Brother

[–] Udolpho 18 years ago

I agree with you pjhewson. I grew up in Woy Woy so I am familiar with this area. While the photography was beautiful, and the storyline was reasonably good, if not a little cliched, the script and characterisations were woeful. The Hawkesbury isn't like that at all. She was trying to make it like the Everglades in Florida or something. These knockabout ocker types are so overbaked they are almost laughable. Isn't it time Australian filmmakers got real? It just didn't work at all. But the lovely cinematography made me appreciate how beautiful that part of the world is. Thanks for that, Anna.

[–] Cienna 18 years ago

"These knockabout ocker types are so overbaked they are almost laughable."

You'd think we were still back in the 50s.

*SPOILERS*

Authenticity aside, I had real problems even liking this film on any level. It was mediocre at best. It just didn't flow. It seemed like a series of disjointed events.

Plus the dog eating the remote control and whatever else was in his room and being left to die. Since when is that funny?

[–] orchidlily77 16 years ago

I am not Australian nor do I know anything about the people of that area.

I can only assume, like England there are different slants on language and life.

But all that aside. I enjoyed the film and found it very relaxing to watch with beautiful scenery.