Author: Frazier Brockett

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Film Reviews

The Scream Film I want to see… (Review)

After seeing Scream 5 I was completely sucked back into this franchise. While the film wasn’t anything new, it was still an excellent sequel and a very entertaining movie. For the first time in maybe forever, I was excited for a Scream film. It had a great cast, good directors and most importantly a new premise. But Scream 6 surprised me in multiple ways I didn’t except – some for the best and some for the worst.

What I love about this franchise is simply how entertaining they are and Scream 6 is no exception. From the beginning to the end of this film, I was glued to the screen because there was never really a slump. It was such a fun and enjoyable ride that reminded me why I love these films so much.

A big push for this film was how aggressive and dangerous the new Ghost Face would be (something that really interested me). Now there is one scene early on where they do feel more threatening – the killer is killing randoms, twisting knifes deeper and using new weapons. But the rest of the film, it essentially reverts to the same old ghost face. I would have loved to see this continue, with a ghost face that’s even more unhinged (maybe torturing victims or fucking with them more).

Building on from this, I think the horror in Scream 6 is perhaps some of the worst it’s ever been. There was never any point that felt like it was really trying to be scary. Maybe it was intentional because the directors wanted to move in a more action focused genre, but I never felt tense like in previous Scream movies.

Something I didn’t expect from Scream 6 was to love the core cast as much as I did. In number 5, I found a lot of them annoying and over the top but in this film, they feel a lot more dialled back. Just like Drew Barrymore, Samara Weaving stole the opening of this film and I instantly wanted to see more of her. I also loved Melissa Barrera because she felt more dangerous than the killer and had this refreshing intensity to her. Finally, Mason Gooding really stood out with a natural charisma that makes me want to see him in everything.

I think an underlying issue with this franchise is they feel each one must repeat some core tropes – the group stuck in a room being killed, someone breaking down the rules of horror movies, the killer being revealed at the end blah blah blah, its boring and repetitive. None of this needs to happen for this franchise to be successful and loved. What was engaging to me about this movie was the new direction they allude to but which they didn’t follow through with. So thereby I present to you, the

THE FORTY-FOUR CLOVERS SCREAM FILM

As soon as I finished the film I was very excited to write about how I would have made it (no offense intended). The best scenes from Scream 6 were when the protagonists were out in the streets of New York. Now I understand that the budget wasn’t huge, and they wouldn’t be able to afford it but hear me out…

Imagine this film but completely set in one night on Halloween. You have Melissa Barrera starting off with a huge group of friends as they slowly get taken out. Like Die Hard, she gets more and more injured but because its Halloween no one takes notice. Having the ghost face masks everywhere is an amazing psychological horror element that wasn’t utilised enough in this film.

Melissa Barrera (“Sam Carpenter”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream VI.”

Melissa has this physicality to her of a true action star that should be explored. Imagine Escape from New York or the Purge 2 but a Scream Edition. It could have been an excellent action / horror film that completely revamped this franchise. You don’t even need to have one singular killer but instead have a group of Richie loyalists all out for revenge against Melissa (like the Batman).

SPOILERS

I feel bad for the writers because trying to pick a killer who the audience doesn’t immediately suspect is near impossible. Nevertheless, this one felt particularly bad. It’s basically the most obvious guess you could have because they just did Scream 2 again. In my head, I was sure it was Mathew Lillard but that’s probably because I just wanted it to be (I pray they are saving him for the next one). While there were certainly some great twists, I don’t think the ending was as satisfying as previous films.

The Future of Scream

In Scream 5 and 6 they allude to Melissa Barrera being some sort of serial killer. In Scream 7, I know they will probably tap into this a little more, but I think the whole film should be about her having this violent streak. They can’t just do the same thing again or this franchise will fall off. Maybe a film about her taking on the mantle and killing anyone who is associated with the killers would be refreshing. While she is doing this, someone is chasing her down and trying to kill her (Mathew Lillard). I just think there is so much more potential for this franchise that isn’t being explored.

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Interview

Interview with Writer / Director Josh Allan

Josh Allan is a Brisbane based writer and director. Recently, he released a short film called 2:32AM which has won multiple awards and screened at countless festivals. It is truly an incredible short-film about human connection and finding your place in the world. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to grab an interview with Josh. Read on for our conversation about his short film, movies and his future.

On 2:32Am

What is 2:32Am about?

“It’s a short film about two lonely strangers learning to find that deeper connection that they’re both missing. Titus is this sort of rough around the edges, charismatic character that has an internal conflict he needs to address. Whereas Caleb is more of that reclusive Uni student who hasn’t made close friends.”

What was your process writing this short film?

Josh Allan on set of 2:32Am

“I find writing challenging. My process is kind of all over the place. It starts with messy feelings or ideas that I will start to write into a script. I have also learnt to integrate feedback a lot. My main process is trusting my intuition while also reaching out for help.”

What were the biggest challenges of creating an indie film and how you overcame them?

 “I found that on set we had a limited time to shoot. It was difficult trying to work to a schedule while trying to preserve the quality. What I am always learning is to trust yourself, the material and the people around you. Trust amid the stress is key.”

How do you run your set?

“To me a lot of problems that you need to solve during production start in pre-production. I like to have in depth discussions before I get on set. Most of the tension on set comes from a lack of creative alignment. If someone is stressed or angry I just try and see it from their perspective.”

How you battle lack of motivation?

“The thing that helps me is if I am stuck on one project, I jump onto another temporarily. I am a filmmaker and I also do music, so I swap between them.”

Cast and Crew of 2:32AM

Talking Film

What filmmakers inspire you

“Richard Linklater. I find the way he wrote stuff – from a very personal / semi-autobiographical place – very interesting. Rather than having an overt plot, conversation becomes the plot. In interviews for the Before Trilogy, he was saying the connection is cinematic enough.”

“Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. While they don’t influence my style, they inspired me to make films.”

Can you list four of your favourite movies?

Josh on set

“Manchester by the Sea I really like because my Dad and I connect through it. Short Term 12 I could watch that movie forever. One that has stuck with me and ignited something within was Whiplash. It showed me that a story based in the real world can be more anxiety inducing than a horror. Also, Kramer vs Kramer I clicked with it because my parents got divorced when I was that age.”

The Future

What’s next for you?

“I am one of the producers of an up-and-coming indie film studio. We have been making some micro short films and we have a drama/ thrill coming out called Sparring. It’s like a Whiplash style psychological thriller about a military guy being interrogated by a dictatorial figure.”

2:32AM

Where do you want Australian movies to move?

“Truthfully, I am not that wired into the Australian film industry and the trends. For me, I don’t feel much pressure to try and represent the whole country. It’s fine for filmmakers to make something that doesn’t have to be distinctively Australian. Also, I think filmmakers worry too much about what the market wants and appealing to a demographic.”

All photos by Millie Lawyer

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Uncategorized

FRESHEST 44

VOTING OPENS 11/3/2023

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Film Reviews

A Film that Stays With You: Aftersun Movie Review

For some dumb reason, Australia gets all the best movies of the year 3 months later then we are supposed to. Around February/ March we get a dump of all the award-winning films, and it is a rush to see them before they are out of cinema. Therefore, I saw Aftersun probably four months after I should have. Nevertheless, I will continue to review this film that you have seen ages ago and don’t want to hear about anymore.

Aftersun is about Sophie, played by Frankie Corio, as she reflects on a holiday she had with her father Calum, played by Paul Mescal. At 11 years old, Sophie struggles with growing up while Calum struggles with the world outside of fatherhood.

Aftersun is undoubtedly one of the best screenplays of the year (the fact that it is not nominated for an Oscar is mind boggling). Charlotte Wells writes with so much restraint and simplicity it feels like this is her 10th film. This golden thread of memory and grief is something that has been ticking away in my head for the last 3 days. What’s so incredible is that Charlotte almost never explicitly says anything. The tiniest nods and clues create this harrowing tone that will allude to certain themes but let the audience decide for themselves.

While the writing is incredible, Charlotte Wells’ direction is equally skilled. Aftersun is one of those films that feels like you shouldn’t be watching it. It is so intimate and honest that I truly felt intrusive being in this space. Charlotte and Gregory Oke (DOP) work together to place the audience right next to our characters. The camera has any eye of its own. It wanders around the room, sometimes just watching Sophie and Calum as they sleep.

Paul Mescal’s performance is exceptional. He drip feeds the audience little lines and actions that eventually let them understand who this man is. Paul’s subtleties in portraying such a broken man never seem over the top or out of line with this character. He never has the big acting Oscar scene and yet undeniably delivers my favourite performance of the year.

I cannot talk about Paul without mentioning Frankie Corio. She was 11 years old at the time they shot this and delivers a beautiful performance and one of my favourites of the year. Like Paul, she never hams it up but instead focuses on embodying a girl who is lost in her youth but trying to hide it.

For me, I know a film is truly excellent when an ending stays with me. Once I finished Aftersun, I went home and watched the ending three times. Charlotte Wells skilfully shows the audience so much while telling them so little. Through the brilliant use of a song and incredible direction, the movie all comes together without explicitly saying a word. It is a haunting and harrowing conclusion that will stay with you for a long time.

Should you see Aftersun?

Absolutely. It is one of my favourite films of the year and is well worth your time. While it has a slower pace, it is deliberate in letting you understand this relationship and these characters’ lives.

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Film Reviews

Did The Fabelmans deserve the Golden Globes? (Review)

(from left) Gabriel LaBelle and co-writer/producer/director Steven Spielberg on the set of The Fabelmans.

At the 2022 Golden Globes The Fabelmans won Best Drama and Steven Spielberg won best director. Personally, I could not give less of a fuck about award shows and in particular the Golden Globes (I think that’s most people now anyway). Nevertheless, I think these results have a lot of people who are curious about this film. And since it was only just released in Australia, there is a huge market still waiting to be won over. So the ultimate question becomes did The Fabelmans deserve these awards or is it over hyped?

The Fabelmans is a drama/ coming of age that is based on the life of Steven Spielberg. It follows Sammy Fabelman as he falls in love with movies and struggles with his family and high school.

Tony Kushner and Steven Spielberg have written a beautiful script. From beginning to end, I was glued to the screen. Since this is based on Spielberg’s early life, it adds a depth to these characters that a lot of family dramas are missing. As a result, it never felt like the movie slowed down. The pacing worked so well because of how layered these characters were.

The Fabelmans starts of as a straightforward Spielberg movie. But about halfway through, it transforms into a 50s style high school drama. The student characters became cliches and its even shot similar to Rebel without a Cause. Maybe I am on my own here but this sudden change in the style and tone kind of shocked me. I loved this aesthetic and allusion but just wished it really committed to it from the beginning.

What I did love about this film was the passion for filmmaking. Every scene that involved a camera reminded me why I love what I do – the desire for storytelling. Spielberg has such a deep and profound love for stories that he effectively imparts upon the audience. The scenes of him creating shorts as a kid and showing his family was some of the most relatable film content I have ever seen. I walked away from The Fablemans more motivated to make short films then I ever have before.

The performances in the Fabelmans were a little underwhelming. I loved Gabriel Labelle as Sammy Fabelman and Paul Dano as his father but everyone else felt kind of miscast. It’s not that they were bad I just think everyone seemed to be doing different things that tonally felt off. For example, Seth Rogen was doing Seth Rogen while Michelle Williams was trying to audition for Marriage Story. It made me feel a little lost in these characters and the tone of the movie.

(from left) Reggie Fabelman (Julia Butters) and Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle) in The Fabelmans, co-written, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.

I won’t spoil the end scene of the movie, but it is easily the best part of the film. In particular, the performances by Gabrielle Labelle and David Lynch. These two reminded me how excited I am for the rest of my filmmaking journey – something that is often clouded in negativity. That final shot displays clearly why Spielberg is one of the greatest American filmmakers ever. It so eloquently summarises the core themes of this film and perhaps his career – his love for stories.

Ultimately, I liked The Fabelmans. While it isn’t my favourite movie of the year, it was still extremely enjoyable. I think Spielberg did deserve those awards. Not only for his career achievements but also the bravery to be this personal with a movie in a way he never has before.  Now all we need is a sequel that dives into his early years making movies.

Should you see The Fabelmans?

Simply for the fact that this may be Spielberg’s last movie, I would definitely go see this in cinemas. While it follows a predictable plot, the writing and directing are still beautifully crafted and well worth your time. If you are into filmmaking whatsoever you will definitely like this movie.

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Film Reviews

The Best Movie of 2022: The Banshees of Inisherin Review

In 2022, there were two movies I was excited for above any other – The Batman and you guessed it, The Banshees of Inisherin. This excitement came down to one simple fact – the directors. Both Matt Reeves and Martin McDonagh are two of my favourite filmmakers in the industry. In particular, Martin McDonagh. He is undoubtedly one of the most ambitious and unique writers in the world. Every film he has made has hit me on a very profound level and changed how I view cinema and writing. So, when I saw the trailer for Banshees, I was surprised. It seemed very different from his previous work and style but nevertheless I was extremely excited.

The Banshees of Inisherin is set on a remote Island off the coast of Ireland. It is about two friends – Padraic and Colm – whose friendship falls apart and chaos ensues. The film is written and directed by Martin McDonagh and features performances by Colin Farrel, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan and Kerry Condon.

When you hear the plot of Banshees, you wouldn’t expect this film to be funny. But as usual, Martin McDonagh weaves in his dark humour effortlessly. The Banshees of Insherin is the funniest film of 2022 and perhaps one of the funniest movies of the last 5 years. Colin Farrel and Barry Keoghan have incredible line deliveries and comic timing that elevates the humour of this script completely. And you cannot talk about comic timing without mentioning Pat Short and Jon Kenny. Every time we visit the bar, these two make the scene hilarious simply through their mannerisms.

What really surprised me about the Banshees of Inisherin was how beautiful it was. In particular, the colours. The way the greens of the rolling hills popped against the coastline was incredible. Almost every frame is shot with this rough ocean in the background, further reminding us how desolate Insherin really is. Ben Davis (the DOP) does an amazing job at keeping the shots interesting with a very simple backdrop.

I truly believe the core cast of this film all deserve Oscars. Every single one of them creates these compelx and layered characters in a very stripped back script (an excellent decision by Martin McDonagh). Even with completely opposing perspectives, you somehow side with both our protagonists. As well as simply being funny, the subtleties of their performances reveal a loneliness and sadness buried so deep it is hard to see. Simply put, with a different cast, this movie would not work.

Before I move on, I must talk about Barry Keoghan. In the Banshees of Inesherin, Barry gives one of my favourite performances I have ever seen. In every scene of this film, he evokes a new emotion among the audience. Whether it’s comedy, heartbreak, despair, loneliness – Barry does it all. I have never seen such contrasting emotions in such a short amount of time and truly believe no one else deserves the Oscar as much as him.

One of the most incredible parts of the Banshees of Inisherin is the lasting effect upon the audience (or maybe it’s just me). As you are watching the film, it’s a funny enjoyable ride. Then it gets sad and then it gets really depressing. And after this, it stays in your head. The cloud of loneliness, regret and sorrow that surrounds this film kept coming back to me for the following days. I seemed to constantly be worrying about these fictional characters in a way few films have ever done. While it sounds cliché, it honestly felt like I was on that desolate Island with those characters. For anyone reading this who hasn’t seen the movie, don’t judge the Banshees of Inisherin upon the first watch. Wait a couple days and then really think about how this movie made you feel.

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Film Reviews

Is Avatar: The Way of Water underrated?  (Non-Spoiler) Review

I am pretty sure I am in the majority when I say I didn’t give a shit about the first Avatar, and I especially didn’t give a shit when they announced the new one. It’s not a hot take but this franchise never pulled me in or made me care. Nevertheless, I knew I had to see it. For the visual effects alone, I knew it would still be an entertaining and thrilling watch. But after seeing it in a packed-out cinema yesterday, I can safely say I was surprised…

James Cameron made an excellent decision going into this film that completely saved it for me – Avatar 2 isn’t about Jake Sully or Neytiri. Instead, it is about the kids. One of the worst parts about that first movie is how boring the protagonists are. They have no charisma and charm and have a super predictable arc. In this movie, we explore the relationships between the children and the reef clan. These characters are engaging and for once I care about these blue people on the screen. It truly saved the franchise and made me excited to see them grow up.

As the lights went dark and the film started rolling, I quickly settled into the world of pandora once again. Avatar 2 starts at a breakneck speed that I loved. It gets the audience up to date and doesn’t waste any time. What’s even better is that the film keeps this pacing. It bounces between action set pieces in a thrilling first hour. Then, we go into the Water Clan. Now I enjoyed the dynamics between the families and a lot of the underwater scenes, but it just goes on for about 15 minutes too long. In particular, the Tulkun set peices. I get it’s pivotal for the themes and arcs but some of it could be cut out.

You can’t talk about Avatar 2 without going into the Visual Effects. They are obviously incredible. I think they especially shine in the action scenes in the final act. The way the fire and water bounce of each other is astonishing. I also love the style of this film. Each shot has this super exaggerated lighting that is refreshing amongst a slate of grey action films. The colours pop and bounce and the Navi were never not convincing as real beings.

While all of these elements worked for Avatar, it still had some fundamental flaws. The main weakness (which has been said plenty) is that the story is predictable. It has no twists or turns and went the exact way I expected. Although it didn’t ruin the movie for me, this needs to change if they want to keep this franchise exciting.

Another core issue I had with Avatar 2 was the performances. Everyone kind of blended in together for me and didn’t stand out. It’s not that they were terrible it’s just a movie this big should have better performances. I truly believe it’s because James Cameron is so focused on the VFX and action that he doesn’t give his attention to the actors. Even Kate Winslet felt underutilised with her range. I know how talented these actors are and I would love to see them really attempt something bigger in the following movies.

SHOULD YOU SEE AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER?

Absolutely. Avatar 2 is a movie that must be seen in cinema for the Visual Effects alone. While the story is predictable, it is still a thrilling and entertaining ride that has incredible action set pieces.

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Article

The Best Christmas TV Show Ever Made: A Moody’s Christmas

Every single year, I rewatch the same Christmas show. From start to finish, it has become a tradition to binge watch this incredible series in about 2 days. It is one of my favourite Christmas pieces of entertainment ever made and more importantly one of my favourite shows ever created and I truly believe not enough people know about it. It is none other than A Moody Christmas.

A Moody Christmas was released in 2014 and created by Phil Lloyd and Trent O’ Donnell. It is a 6x20minute Australian comedy show. Each episode is set in a different year as Dan Moody returns home from London to celebrate Christmas with his very dysfunctional family. Before I continue, if you haven’t seen it go watch it so you can appreciate this show as much as I do.

The writing of this show is incredible. If you didn’t know, Trent O’ Donnell (one of the writers) has an extensive history working in comedy. The Chaser’s War, Brooklyn Nine Nine, New Girl, The Good Place, No Activity, Hacks and Ride the Eagle – fucking insane. But perhaps his talents shine most in A Moody Christmas. Trent and Phil create characters that are true to them and the audience watching it. On top of this, there is a joke in almost every single scene as well as heartfelt and touching moments. Trent and Phil have written a show that is a perfect balance of what we love about Christmas – comedy and family.

Directing comedy often goes unnoticed. Most audiences just assume you stick a camera on a medium and close up shot and let the actors and writing do the rest. But as I was rewatching a Moody Christmas for probably the 6th year of my life, I remembered how pivotal good directing is. Trent truly understands exactly where the camera needs to be and how it should cut together to make it as funny as possible. There is a one take in episode 1 that perfectly highlights each character in the space of 5 minutes. We understand the entire family and effectively feel as if we are stuck there with Dan – a perfect example of excellent directing.

A Moody Christmas has one of the best Australian casts I have ever seen. Every single actor in this brings an amazing comedic performance and timing to their character that just could not be replicated in America. In particular, Patrick Brammall and Darren Gilshenan create these hilarious characters that are so relatable to an Australian audience. Ian Meadows has this awkwardness and nervousness that feels so natural and Jane Harber bounces off this perfectly. In fact, it feels like everyone in this family is someone I know or have met before – a true compliment to the actors and director.  

There are many many reasons why I love this show so much. Good writing, directors, actors, editing. But ultimately, I think there is one core part that makes me obsessed with A Moody Christmas – it’s Australian. Seeing good Australian productions is always so satisfying and inspiring. It makes me want to keep making Australian content and as a result, is so pivotal in ensuring we are not always driven to make American shows. Shows like the Moody’s, Upper Middle Bogan and recently, Colin from Accounts have pushing the Australian film scene in the right direction. When people bag on about Australian TV or Movies it is often because they haven’t even watched shows like this.

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Interview

The Best Christmas Short Ever – Interview with Writer Tyson Yates

About 4 years ago, I went to the Brisbane Backyard Film Festival. Two films from that night stuck with me that I truly loved and have never stopped talking about. One is Follow that Taxi (I did an interview with Sam Monaghan this year) and the other is It’s Christmas. It is one of the funniest and most original short films I have ever seen and my favourite Christmas short ever. On top of this, it won the audience award at the Brisbane Backyard Film Festival. Before you read this interview, go and watch this film below, it is well worth your time.

Recently, I did an interview with the writer of It’s Christmas – Tyson Yates. Tyson is a Brisbane based writer and director. On top of this project, he has written Lemonade – a comedy web series – and wrote and directed Smashed – a comedy short which won Audience Choice at West End Film Festival. Read on for more.

DP David Aponas and Tyson behind the camera

What inspired the story of It’s Christmas?

“I used to work in journalism, but my number one thing was writing for film. One year I upped and left and do a year of film school. I plopped myself down in Brisbane and did a year at university.”

“The whole idea is just kind of a typical Christmas for me, I am from a small country town in Northern NSW. It was hot, sweaty, there was drama over the prawns. This one was just one of the first scripts that just flowed out of me. I don’t think I struggled to write that one at all. It was just taking tid bits from my family and inserting into the script. And also just who doesn’t love writing genre.”

What was your process writing for this and writing in general?

Kristie and Tyson Yates

“When you are writing you put a lot of pressure on yourself. I think the unspoken thing though is that no one has it right – even some established filmmakers and writers. There has never been this smooth process in writing. But I think the background in media and written journalism really helped the discipline of it. When someone is paying you to write a story you don’t have an option of not feeling it or having mental block – the deadline is 5.”

As someone who writes and directs did you find it hard handing over the It’s Christmas Script?

“I have directed the last couple of things I have done. I released smashed a couple of years ago and that was the first major thing I directed. I just decided to Direct to get it done in the exact way it’s in my head. With It’s Christmas, I must have been a terrible person to have on set because I was following the director around and buzzing around like a fly. I think in the future I will focus less on directing and more on script writing because it’s just a huge commitment.”

Tyson directing actors – Winnie Mzember (middle) and Kyle MacCallion

Are there any specific Christmas movies you love or are inspired by?

“I really love the tone of A Moody Christmas. It spoke so much to me and I think they were aiming for the same thing because it feels like a person experience of an Aussie family. I have had a couple Christmas’s in the cold, and you miss it when you’re not here. I also love genre Christmas movies like Krumpus.”

Were there any general movies that inspired it as well?

“Absolutely Sean of the Dead. Edgar Wright is a perfect example of a filmmaker who can take ridiculous concepts and squeeze sentiment into it.”

Tyson on sound with Nicholas Rowan (sound) and Mellisa Johnson (makeup)

Other Projects

Creating both Smashed and Lemonade, what have you learnt from both projects and would advise filmmakers about starting a web series?

“I am from the school of keep it simple. Everyone does their share house comedy, it’s low stakes. You watch some amazing comedies like Arrested Development and Scrubs, the comedy just comes from the simplicity and characters – something I am still learning. Don’t be discouraged by not nailing something. It was interesting at film school how many people wanted to be at the finish line already. I have resigned myself to the fact that it’s going to take a long time to learn but the best way to do that is to keep it simple.”

As someone who also did one year of film school, I was wondering your opinion on it and if think it’s worthwhile?

On the set of Smashed

“There are two different camps, I guess. I learnt a lot from film school and especially what not to do in a safe situation. You are at the mercy of whoever else happens to be in your cohort. It can be a bit of a scramble to get on top. I didn’t have that problem to much as I had some pretty set goals. There was also good teachers I learnt a lot from. But the reason I left was because the classes and lessons were starting to repeat themselves.”

What is next for you?

“I recently got a job in a production company so any of my film projects just stopped at that point. I had a hiatus for a few years and then recently we jumped back on board with the short stack guys and shot a short film in August. It’s very similar to smashed in that it’s a couple of locations and housemates together. We are just doing the assembly edit now so it’s looking good.”

If someone came to you with one film wish, what would it be?

On the set of It’s Christmas

“I don’t know if I would want to wish my way to the finish line. But me right now I feel I am still finding my way through writing and directing. I would be absolutely horrified to have a world class actor standing in front of me asking what do to. It would be something small like making an indie feature that is well within my means. I would love to have this indie gem of a film that is well regarded. And then I am happy to be sky rocketed into making a Marvel film, substance abuse, not seeing my family – you know, the Hollywood dream.”

Where do you want to see the Australian film scene in 5-10 years?

“I think I have never really put much thought into getting funding. “I guess i believe that a good script will have it’s time and eventually get made. I know people bang on about funding being political, but those people usually have a shit script. I like to believe that a good idea, a good script, will get picked.”

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Article

My Favourite Christmas Movies Ever

Every year, studios pump out these low budget Christmas movies that are absolute garbage and most of you haven’t seen. But amongst these, there is probably 10-15 good Christmas films. And amongst them, there is about 5 Christmas movies I genuinely enjoy and love watching. These are the films that every year I want to watch and am genuinely excited for. They aren’t just based off nostalgia or what critics love but instead movies that are genuinely good. Therefore, this list isn’t based on the classics or essentials but instead what I actually am excited to watch.

5.Office Christmas Party

(L-R) Kate McKinnon as Mary Winetoss, Olivia Munn as Tracey Hughes, Jason Bateman as Josh Parker and Jennifer Aniston as Carol Vanstone in OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, and Reliance Entertainment

I know this will trigger a lot of people but I love this movie. While it has some big faults, I think it is one of the few Christmas movies that I could rewatch again and again. It brings together an incredible comedic cast that carry a very basic script. Too many Christmas movies feel dated and aren’t actually funny but Office Christmas Party is one of the best modern Christmas movies.

4. Sunburnt Christmas

Most people reading this list have never heard of this film BUT hear me out – A Sunburnt Christmas is an amazing Australian Christmas film. It perfectly encapsulates Christmas in the outback and more importantly has an engaging plot. There are twists, good jokes and a refreshing Christmas story that feels new. While some performances are a little rough, I think this is definitely the best Australian Christmas movie ever made, it is 100% worth your time.

3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

A classic essential Christmas movie that is entertaining from start to finish. Although it feels a little dated and Chevy Chase drives me crazy, any time it is on Channel 7, you know you are watching the rest of that movie.

Chevy Chase stands at the head of the table in a scene from the film ‘Christmas Vacation’, 1989. (Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images)

 2. Home Alone

Now it’s time for the big dogs. Home Alone has this very specific feeling and emotion it creates that I will try my best to put into words. Essentially, it feels warm. Like Harry Potter, Chris Columbus makes you feel safe and at home every time you are in the McCallister home. There is no movie like Home Alone that makes you feel this in love with Christmas. The lights, decorations, trees, presents. Everything is exaggerated to make this holiday a perfect representation of how a kid views Christmas.

  1. Love Actually

Choosing number one and 2 was tough but ultimately, I just went with what I would want to watch on Christmas Eve. Almost every scene in Love Actually is rewatchable. It is just filled with these moments that make you want to go back and watch it again immediately. On top of this, the characters are perfect. You love the ones you’re supposed to and despise the rest. This is down to one of the best British Casts of all time. Love Actually is a movie I look forward to watching every year at Christmas and I truly believe never gets old.