We know our neighbours across the ditch can be a little crazy at times, but in the uncompromising and intense drama Snowtown (Saturday 15th December, 8.30pm) they’re at their lunatic worst.
We know our neighbours across the ditch can be a little crazy at times, but in the uncompromising and intense drama Snowtown (Saturday 15th December, 8.30pm) they’re at their lunatic worst.
Snowtown is the true story of the “Bodies in the Barrels” murders committed by former Neo Nazi John Bunting. He undertook one of the most gruesome killing sprees in Australian history as he recruited vulnerable individuals to help him prey on homosexuals and pedophiles. They tortured and murdered their victims, storing the dead bodies in an old bank vault in the small rural town of Snowtown.
Yes, this film is a pretty disturbing, grotesque, and realistic portrayal of what happened, and strangely compelling in a perverted kind of way! Understandably, Snowtown is a film which has divided opinion. Check back here later in the week to read my interview with director Justin Kurzel, where we talk about taking on such a controversial and sensitive subject for his debut feature film.
Also this week Rialto Channel kicks off the Around the World in 80 Days series, which is going to run, well, for around 80 days. Each week features two films from one country, which screen on consecutive nights. Our first country is Japan - on Tuesday 11th December, Rialto is screening the 2010 Venice Film Festival Golden Lion nominee Norwegian Wood, and on Wednesday the 2010 Venice Film Festival Winner 13 Assassins.
If you prefer a sensual, dreamy drama about longing and loss set in the late 60s, then try Norwegian Wood, based on the novel by Haruki Murakami. If you’re more interested in epic action, then 13 Assassins, about a group of samurai who must assassinate a rogue war lord in 1844, is for you. Quite frankly I’d catch both; they are both exquisitely shot and enticing stories.
And don’t miss all the glitz and glamour this Sunday from 6.25pm, when Rialto Channel screens The Sorta Unofficial New Zealand Film Awards, featuring interviews with all the winners, unpredictable award presenters and some rather wacky interpretations of the films nominated in the Best Feature Film category.
Enjoy.