Caffeinated Clint
A couple of fresh images from upcoming films have surfaced.
Firstly, a first glimpse at Shane Black’s “The Nice Guys” starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling.
Black tells People (who have the above photo), “It is an R-rated film and it’s a caper…It’s a little fast, a little funny and a little rough in places, kind of coarse. These guys are working-class dudes, they’re not really sophisticated private detectives, so it’s a chance to do the kind of thriller I don’t see too much of anymore… Whether this thing is a comedy with action or a thriller with jokes, one thing that’s very clear is these two are extremely funny. People will enjoy seeing the two of them.”
Secondly, the first image for filmmaker Abe Forsythe’s second feature film, “Down Under” has just been released.
A black comedy set during the aftermath of the Cronulla riots, “Down Under” is the story of two carloads of hotheads from both sides of the fight destined to collide. Sincere, though misguided, intent gives way to farcical ineptitude as this hilarious yet poignant story of ignorance, fear and kebab-cravings unfolds, and what was meant to be a retaliation mission turns into something neither side could have imagined.
Deliberately and provocatively confronting racism head on, director Abe Forsythe, who is also responsible for writing the film’s screenplay, has taken a balanced look at the ridiculous side of a serious subject. “There is nothing more satisfying than getting people to laugh at something they feel like they shouldn’t be laughing at. Comedy is the best way to say something meaningful,” he says.
This first-look image introduces characters from both sides of the story, men with so much in common, divided by an arbitrary hatred. Forsythe says: “Obviously if you’re setting a film during the Cronulla riot, racism is one of the major themes you find yourself exploring. However, racism here is a behavioural by-product of these characters wanting to belong to something, to feel like they are in control.”
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the shameful event which has been cemented in our nation’s history, DOWN UNDER is a timely reminder that will provoke wider discussions on identity and acceptance.
