The Independent is an Australian independent mockumentary film released in 2007, produced by Apocalypse Films. It chronicles the story of Marty Browning (Lee Mason), a man who runs for state parliament in a Victorian by-election to save his family farm, backed by a shady businessman (Tony Nikolakopoulos). He runs as an independent, but under the banner of "The Independent Party"; his plan is to form policies by asking members of the public for their opinions, thereby providing a direct public voice in parliament. (A similar purpose is held by the real-life Australian party Senator On-Line.)
| The Independent | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Andrew O'Keefe John Studley |
| Written by | Andrew O'Keefe John Studley |
| Produced by | Jim Xyga |
| Starring | Lee Mason Tony Nikolakopoulos Sylvie De Crespigny Chris Bunworth Georgia Bolton Grant Piro Jonathon Auf Der Heide Jim Daly |
| Cinematography | Wayne Aistrope |
| Music by | Nick Batterham |
Release date |
|
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
The film was shot in 2006, and released to a small number of cinemas on 8 November 2007 in the lead up to the 2007 Australian federal election. A national cinema launch is planned for April/May 2008.[1]
Cast
edit- Lee Mason as Marty Browning
- Tony Nikolakopoulos as Tony Bentakis
- Sylvie De Crespigny
- Chris Bunworth
- Georgia Bolton
- Grant Piro
- Jonathon Auf Der Heide
- Jim Daly
Critical response
editCritical reception to the film was positive, with good reviews from many high-profile Australian film critics and an average rating of around three stars. A frequent criticism was that the film seems uncertain of its tone, wavering between comedy and drama,[2] but overall the film was considered successfully endearing, with some reviewers praising the filmmakers' decision not to merely go for laughs.[3] Margaret Pomeranz found the ending "problematic",[4] but along with most other reviewers singled out Mason for his "outstanding" performance; James Brown of FILMINK Magazine described Marty as "the most charming protagonist since Kenny".[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Official web site". Apocalypse Films. Retrieved 4 January 2008.
- ^ Andrew L. Urban. "The Independent". Urban Cinefile. Retrieved 27 November 2007.
- ^ Leigh Paatsch (16 November 2007). "Out for the count". Herald Sun. Retrieved 27 November 2007.
- ^ Margaret Pomeranz (with David Stratton). "At the Movies: The Independent". At the Movies. Retrieved 27 November 2007.
- ^ James Brown. "...a rare gem..." FILMINK Magazine. Retrieved 27 November 2007.
External links
edit- The Independent - official Apocalypse Films page
- ABC Radio interview - John Studley and Andrew O'Keefe interviewed on 774 ABC
- The Independent at IMDb
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