
1990
Writer /Director: Jocelyn
Moorhouse
Also stars: Hugo Weaving as Martin and Geneviève Picot as
Ceila
This is the movie that won Russell Crowe
his first AFI award (for Best Supporting Actor). Upon viewing,
it is clear that the award was well-deserved.
The movie is an original, which is increasingly hard to
come by. The story is of a blind man, Martin (Hugo Weaving),
who feels compelled to photograph
his surroundings in order to document his life. He is a
paranoid and distrustful man, who, because of his handicap,
must rely on a hired housekeeper, Celia (Genevieve Picot),
to assist him in every day life.
The story begins when Martin encounters an unassuming and
friendly dishwasher, Andy (Russell Crowe). The two become
friends of a sort, when Andy earns Martin's trust by describing
Martin's photographs to him.
As the film progresses, we learn that there's more to Celia
than meets the eye. To further explain would spoil the plot.
All three actors deliver sound performances. Russell is
particularly engaging as an honest and trustworthy counterpoint
to Picot's scheming and hateful Celia.
The best scene is when Andy takes Martin to the drive-in
movie and the aftermath of the trip. I laughed so hard,
I cried. And hearing Russell laugh out loud like a silly
little boy made me want him even more. Russell fans who
have seen his performance in The Crossing will note a marked
maturity in his talent and appearance.
The movie is about trust and how easy it is to lose it.
Well worth the
purchase price and a must-see for any Russell fan.
Rated: four crowes
~bbw
Thanks to the Crowe
Slide Shows site for the screen captures! |