Film buffs can take pleasure in another year of fascinating and diverse films brought to you by the Port Fairy Film Society. The year kicks off next Friday with Beautiful Kate, a film by first time feature director Rachael Ward.
Beautiful Kate is a 2009 Australian film starring Rachel Griffiths, Bryan Brown, Sophie Lowe and Ben Mendelsohn. Director Rachel Ward adapted the script from a 1982 novel of the same name by Newton Thornburg.
Told in parallel narratives of past and present, Beautiful Kate is the story a writer, Ned Kendall, is asked to return to the family home by his sister Sally, to say goodbye to his father who is dying. The family home is in a very remote and isolated area. While back home, Ned starts having memories of his beautiful twin sister and himself when they were children. These memories awaken long-buried secrets from the family's past.
The score of the film was developed and recorded by Australian musician Tex Perkins and co ‘Dark Horses’ member Murray Paterson.
From all accounts Beautiful Kate is a well-crafted drama with a strong emotional narrative. The narrative touches on taboo subjects that may leave some viewers uncomfortable but does so without sensationalism.
Actor Kate Ward best known for role portraying Meggie Cleary in the television mini-series The Thorn Birds has been an experienced director of short films for many years now but this is her first feature. Film Critics have been thoroughly impressed, Andrew L. Urban from Urban Cinefile, saying “Rachel Ward doesn't put a foot wrong in her debut as writer/director”. Kate said she worked on the script unpaid for 3 years; clearly her hard work on this film has paid off.
Set in the Australian outback, Beautiful Kate has been celebrated for its beautiful cinematography shot by first time feature DoP Andrew Commis.
Beautiful Kate’s is to be commended for its stunning performances from its cast. Ben Mendelsohn has been applauded for his strong performance as 40 year-old Ned Kendall and it has been said that Brian Brown’s performance in this film has been one of his best.
Brian Brown is also the co-producer of Beautiful Kate and married to director Kate Ward.
“I was just completely bowled over by the emotions in this film. It's a very strongly emotional film, with wonderful performances.” (David Stratton At the Movies (ABC))
With a rating of 94% positive at Rotten Tomatoes, Beautiful Kate was very well received critically.
Beautiful Kate screens next Friday 29th January at 7.30pm at Reardon Theatre in Bank Street Port Fairy. 2010 Memberships available at the door with free tea and coffee provided.
No comments:
Post a Comment