No one doubts Rolf De Heer’s brilliance but it is difficult to know what to expect when he releases a film. The writer, producer, director became famous for Bad Boy Bubby, a comedy so dark that many people wanted it banned. Prior to that he had made a children’s film, a science fiction thriller and a music film (Dingo). Serious films (The Quiet Room and Dance Me To My Song) were followed by a magical adventure (The Old Man Who Read Love Stories) before he turned his hand to films with political overtones (The Tracker and Alexandra’s Project). His last film was shot entirely using Aboriginal languages (Ten Canoes) and now he has made a silent film.
Utilising the talents of street performer Nigel Lunghi as Dr Plonk, de Heer tells a tale of a 1907 scientist who calculates that the world will end in 101 years. In order to get the proof needed for skeptical politicians, he invents a time machine to retrieve evidence from the future. With the help of his deaf-mute assistant Paulus (Paul Blackwell), his wife (Magda Szubanski) and his dog, he leads the audience on a madcap series of escapades that overflow with slapstick humour. Although banana peels, kicks on the bum and chases prevail, de Heer does have a subversive modern-day message that audiences will appreciate.
To remain true to the films of early last century, and to bring his lunatic concept to life, de Heer adapted a hand-cranking mechanism and old lenses to a modern film camera. Old film was sourced and appropriate instrumental music was added by Samantha White and Melbourne band The Stiletto Sisters. The result is a marvelous, energetic farce that recalls the days of Buster Keaton. Sit back and enjoy the magical spell it weaves over you.
(G) Directed by Rolf de Heer
