West - A review
July 23rd 2007 23:20
It’s taken me a while to get this review posted regarding the latest Australian film, West. I saw it about two weeks ago now and while I wrote most of the review afterwards with the film’s essence with me, it still seems to have taken a while to get it posted.
Most of the reviews I’ve read about the film only give it average ratings, with a general feeling that it is a lacklustre film that has been mostly done before by previous films such as Idiot Box, Candy and more recently Noise. While it was an interesting film, it didn’t penetrate my film core that I thought was a pity. It was one of those films that I’ll just sort of leave as being ‘good’ in a bleak kind of way but there wasn’t anything profoundly new that distinguishes it from other films in the same genre. I’m not exactly criticising it as it does capture the apathy and lifestyle that can be typical of life in Sydney’s western suburbs but I wished it had gone a bit further in some way than simply illuminating an overcast look at life in such suburbs where hope is gone and survival is mostly what is left.
West is the third Australian film I’ve seen in the last six weeks, the others being Noise and Clubland. I always appreciate any Australian film that aims to illuminate the darker, grittier aspects of life. West succeeds in creating an authentic depiction of life in the western suburbs of our cities. Unfortunately having such themes before or variations of it I couldn’t help feeling a level of predictability which was a pity. Clubland also stars Khan Chittenden but I have to say that his performance in Clubland was more penetrative. He almost seemed miscast in this film, as though he wasn’t quite right for his role.
As I mentioned, this is another film set in Sydney’s west of Sydney. It centres around the relationship between Pete, (Khan Chittenden from Clubland) and Jerry, (Nathan Phillips), who are cousins living a fairly desolate life in the western suburbs where lack of opportunity often amounts to limited choice. Peter deals drugs; they both participate. That's what they do. They don’t make plans, ‘They don't happen. You get depressed.’ Those few words lay out the film’s foundation of apathy, alienation and despair. The first half of the film focuses on these themes. The spend much of their time under a tunnel smoking bongs, debating ideas for the future and talking about getting laid. They both like Cheryl (Gillian Alexy) but Jerry has a comfortable, confident manner with girls that Pete lacks.
When Pete is beaten and robbed of his drug money by Kenwood, (Anthony Hayes) and his mates, he finds his supplier Steve, (Tim Mcgunn) surprisingly accommodating. Jerry however, is beginning to take life and Cheryl seriously and gets a job in the local chicken shop which Pete finds hard to accept. He thinks Jerry is giving into society, entering a job with low pay, serving the ungrateful public with little dignity. This scene infers that the incident will force Pete to either change or will be broken by it. Events then progress quickly in the second half of the film.
While I can understand why the film is made in Sydney’s west, renown for being a lower socio-economic area, I couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to have a film dealing with such issues in an unexpected part of Sydney, such as the Eastern suburbs. While the issues are more prevalent in western suburbs, they would also be occurring elsewhere and it would be different to explore the same issues in a different environment. Typically this part of Sydney is defined by the things it does not have especially when compared with other areas in Sydney: beaches, restaurants, active night life, and an iconic attraction.
This is a challenging Australian film. It’s well-acted and directed with fine, sharp cinematography. Writer-director, Daniel Krige does not hand-hold; many scenes speak for themselves without words. The locations are vivid and believable with a feeling of familiarity. West is not an easy film to watch but it is definitely worthwhile seeing.
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Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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Sounds like a uniquely Australian piece of cinema. I agree with the sentiment however - that it appears local film makers have lockjaw when it comes to centring their attention on Sydney's western suburbs.
Best I check it out.
Cheers
MNG
Comment by katyzzz
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katyzzz
Comment by David
I won't be seeing it. It looks like another piece of 'quirky' Australian, amatuerish film wank to me.
I tend to compare shit like this to Aussie films like Romper Stomper or Chopper, and Love Serenade to get a perspective on just how bad it is.
From what I saw on movie show reviews? The best scenes don't even deserve to be compared to the worst scenes in great Aussie films.
What's its premise? 'We wandered aimlessly around the western suburbs? Being sort of cool but sort of not?'
If I really wanted to see that sort of shit? I'd take a two-hour walk in the western suburbs. I bet it would be more interesting.
The Australian film industry is in really good shape.
David ...
Comment by Chic Critique
I think we need to remember that Daniel Krige started writing this when he was 15 (he's now in his early 30's) and therefore a lot of the ideas that he had have been turned into other films earlier than his due to production money availability and other movie industry factors. It's important to remember to support Australian industries when they're up against the gargantuan hollywood machine. Remember the kind of support we get from our government in the arts. Very little compared to the Keating years.
Having grown up in the Western suburbs and having spent time living in the East and the North and all over Sydney - it was hardest out there. There really is nothing to do for teens, and trouble starts. I'm sure there are similar issues all over Sydney, but Daniel was basing the movie on his life. That's where he's from. Isn't it better to be authentic when you're telling a story?
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for your comments, I like your description:
I understand the emphasis as I've lived and worked in western Sydney and life is definitely is definitely harder there but I found that this film didn’t give me enough of a resolution. But it’s all subjective really, someone else might be satisfied with it.
It’s a realistic portrayal but it’s just grim viewing. I think it’s worth seeing.
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It sounds like it wouldn’t be a film you would like if you’ve already seen excerpts and it didn’t appeal. Fair enough, it isn’t for everyone.
I wouldn’t describe it as being too arty-farty, rather the director used the locations well and it was realistic. I think another reason why it didn’t quite peak (for me anyway) was the lack of humour in it whereas in Noise it was used effectively to break the pace of heaviness which was a relief.
I hold Romper Stomper as one of the best Aussie films too, I was too squeamish for Chopper, I had to say no to that one (despite having read one of his books).
Thanks for your comments,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I can understand it not appealing to everyone but it is done well.
Byee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for your comments, glad you enjoyed the review. I remembered reading some of Krige’s background as I was reading what you said. Yes, I see what you mean:
Very true. And yes, authenticity is vital and I think it’s definitely done well in this film. I had forgotten it was based on Krige’s life. As I said to Mr Nice Guy I could relate to the portrayal as I've lived and worked in western Sydney and life is definitely is definitely harder there for a multitude of reasons. I think films are excellent for highlighting certain portions of society that we otherwise might not know about or experience. I find myself drawn to watching realistic, gritty Aussie films and generally interested in (hopefully) supporting the industry.
Byee,
Tracy
Comment by Cibbuano
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Tracy, I was decidedly lukewarm about this one...
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I'd definitely recommend Romper Stomper....yeah, I'm still a bit lukewarm about this one myself....
Tracy
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Great review. But like you, I'm a little sick of these movies always being set in Sydney's west. How about having it set anywhere else? I'd just like to see a slightly different perspective for once.
I don't think I'll rush out to see this one. Sounds like it's a wait-for-dvd kind of flick to me
Kylie
Comment by Aimzster
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Sorry about that delay in getting back to you. I know the difficulties are more pronounced in Sydnet's Western suburbs but I wasn't sure I saw anything reakllkt differenr in the film. But then again, it was highlighting a siutauin whoich leads to great awareness and trhat is a good steo.
But as CC said, Krige started writing this years ago before any other similar films were produced. And he did an excellent job. It isn't any easy film to watch, it's dark and dour, but I'm glad I saw it. He highlighted many important issues and hopefully awareness change may lead to some sort of change or at least a lowering of the stigmatisation that area encounters.
I keep fluctuating between telling people it’s worth seeing and then I change my mind and say it’s s DVD choice...ah well.
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I am racking my brain trying to remember where it was set. I'm been sick and it's affected my memory. But I really want to know too, so I'll look it up and get back to you soon
Thanks for popping in,
Tracy