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Romulus,
My Father is based on the popular
memoir written by Australian Catholic philosopher Raimond Gaita.
The film is a tragic family drama set during several summer's in
the early 1960's, and focuses on young Raimond (Kodi Smith-McPhee),
and the chaotic relationship between his hard working Romanian mmigrant
father Romulus (Eric Bana) and his adulterous and suicidal immigrant
German mother Christina (Franka Potente), which culminates with
Romulus' descent into madness.
Acclaimed Australian actor Richard Roxburgh shines in his feature
film directorial debut, unflinchingly taking on heavy themes such
as depression, mental illness and suicide, whilst also capturing
a touching love story between an ailing father and his able young
son.
The films talented cast is superb. Eric Bana (himself a child of
European immigrants) gives a powerfully subdued turn, and Franka
Potente delivers a strong performance effectively portraying her
characters fragility and brash sexuality. Marton Csokas and Russell
Dykstra are great in supporting roles, yet it is 11 year old Kodi
Smit-McPhee who steals the show with a tremendously impressive performance,
standing toe to toe with his experienced co-stars whilst exhibiting
a broad range of emotions not natural for an actor his age.
The film is set and shot amidst the vast open spaces of rural Victoria,
its picturesque imagery captured magnificently by Geoffrey Simpson
who provides lush, vibrant photography. Adding to the haunting effect
of the films performances and imagery is Basil Hogios' emotive acoustic
guitar composition.
The biggest flaw is its meticulous pace, but with such a rich character
piece a slow burn approach is needed to truly appreciate the characters'
complexities and the beauty of their widespread surroundings. Another
filmmaker would have added a narrator to keep the films momentum
at a steady register, yet thankfully Roxburgh does away with such
cliché nonsense, relying on the talent of his cast and crew
and Raimond Gaitor's moving story to see it through.
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