Burning Man

This is one of those films that you should know very little about before going to see it. I recommend that you do not read my review until after you see the film. Just know that it is a brilliant piece of film making that you must rush out and see.

Regular readers will know that I am trying to be a script writer. I love to go see films to study them and learn what to do and what not to do with my writing. Occasionally there will be a film that makes me want to give up because it is far too intimidating. This is one such film. Writer/director Jonathan Teplitzky has crafted a brilliant drama that while presenting a familiar story does it in a unique way. The first half of the film can be a bit confusing. Jonathan presents scenes and half scenes that do not really make much sense. Eventually though you begin to understand what is going on but even then once he reveals the true story your still surprised. A man going through the grief of loosing a loved one can be a powerful story and that certainly what we see here. Tom is a man who is doing some unusual things to try and get over the death of his wife, but we all deal with grief in different ways. We don't always know what is real and what is not. His emotional journey is one that we become so caught up in that we begin to share his grief. This is the skill of a good director that can make you become so involved in a film.

Matthew Goode's introduction in this film is one of the best in cinema. He is brilliant at capturing the nuances of his character as he does some wild things while his family look on. Matthew is great at both the darker and lighter moments of his character. He is backed up by some brilliant Aussie actors. Bonjana Novakovic gives a wonderfully powerful performance as Tom's dying wife. Their scene where they meet is so hilarious. It is also a great testament to her skill that despite the fact we know what is coming with her character we still feel the emotion of the moment when it comes. Essie Davis does a very good job as Tom's sister-in-law. Considering what Tom does she is very forgiving. Equally as brilliant as his adult co-stars is young Jack Heanly. His scenes With Matthew are wonderful. He is such a great young actor. Rachel Griffiths also has a nice minor role in the film. Don't let the fact that this film being Australian let you down. This is one of the reasons we produce some of the best film making talent in the world. Do what ever you can to go see it.