Strictly Ballroom and Romper Stomper changed cinema. What do they say about us?
, a hugely enjoyable workplace comedy written by Andrew Knight and Max Dann and featuring Toni Collette in her first major role; Gillian Armstrong’sThe Nun and the Bandit, a touching romantic comedy about two Melbourne lonely hearts. Not to forget two top-shelf documentaries, one made by Dennis O’Rourke , the other by Robin Anderson and Bob Connolly , bravely screened at a time long before documentaries threw off their “uncommercial” tag.
However, it was evident by the time New Year’s Eve rolled around – and it’s still true – that, at least as far as the local film business goes,, made for roughly half that, would be the films everyone remembered from 1992, albeit for very different reasons. Luhrmann’s is the kind of feel-good film that you can take your grandchildren to and feel assured that you’ll all have a grand time. Wright’s is the kind more likely to find you cowering under your seats than dancing in the aisles.
The title refers us to the so-called right way of doing things – that which can be called “strictly ballroom” – but the rest of the film provides an irresistible illustration of how limiting such a notion can be. As Luhrmann puts it, “To me, the film is not about ballroom dancing. It’s about overcoming oppression, whatever nature that oppression takes.”
Wright’s film was shot in the depths of the winter of 1991, on gritty 16mm which was then blown up to 35mm for general release. The setting is, mostly, rundown inner-suburban Melbourne, a land of unsightly graffiti and shattered dreams. The gruelling opening sequence, in which a gang of neo-Nazi skinheads led by the charismatic Hando attack a group of Vietnamese kids having some innocent after-dark fun, takes place at Footscray station .became so controversial.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How Strictly Ballroom and Romper Stomper changed us foreverThirty years ago, the debut features by Baz Luhrmann and Geoffrey Wright captured two very different visions of Australia in flux.
Read more »
‘We are the new mecca’: can New York’s underground ballroom scene survive the hype?As the ballroom community attracts mainstream attention – and influence – many within the scene view the growing popularity with skepticism and trepidation
Read more »
The world gets worse, but public libraries are foreverThere’s a place that lets you take home books for free. Why aren’t you there right now?
Read more »
AMA lashes out at Health Minister over Telehealth changesHealth Minister Mark Butler has come under fire from the Australian Medical Association over a decision that has been made regarding Telehealth services.
Read more »
The major changes coming into effect for super from July 1The changes could put more money in your pocket at a time when bank balances are under pressure. 9News
Read more »
The laws changing on July 1 small business owners should know aboutSmall business owners across the country will have to pay higher wages and superannuation amid a raft of changes rolling through in the new financial year.
Read more »