This movie had me from the get go. Knowing it was the directorial debut of award winning Aussie actor David Wenham, allowed me to rest into the fact that this would be, and was, a lovingly crafted and distinctive piece from an actor that has made his mark as a versatile and unique voice in cinema. I am biased in part of my enjoyment of 'Ellipsis' as it is set in Sydney, my hometown, and it reminded me of my youth and drifting around the city with a friend or looking for love in all the wrong places.
'Ellipsis' is very 'now'; with technology being the conduit for the two main characters (and the third; less successfully realised in my view) to serendipitously meet and connect; ironically through a smashed mobile phone. If a film with lots of action and plot turns and fast edits is your bag; then keep away from 'Ellipsis'. This is a meditative and at times dreamy meandering through what it is to be young in a bustling city and to form an unlikely bond. Emily Barclay first came to my attention in 2005 with 'In my father's den' a New Zealand feature that won her an award in her homeland. Two years later, 'Suburban Mayhem' an Australian film netted Emily the AFI for Best Actress. I have not seen much of her in the last decade; sadly, but she really shines in 'Ellipsis'. With a natural ease and presence, Emily's 'Viv' is ultimately the more fascinating of the pair for me, but that said Benedict Samuel has such a lovely screen warmth and also gives a performance lacking in self consciousness; thereby allowing the viewer to enjoy 'Jasper' at face value, but to also get some hint at his past; especially the trauma he divulges early on in the narrative.
Barclay and Samuel have great chemistry, and David Wenham's direction; combined with what I read was considerable improvisation (and the fact that the two leads are credited as co-writers) shows a great affection for the actors and in broader terms; a love of life and the power to be in the moment(s) as our two leads find themselves. The secondary plot line feels less successful as a technician at a phone store is given several sequences which peek behind his initial austere approach to Viv, showing a sensitive and decent human being. There is a lot of decency in this film. That is not a criticism. In a year where our local industry is making multiple horror and trauma stories; it is refreshing to spend 83 minutes in the company of ordinary folk; enjoying spontaneity and forming a richly textured connection, as a result of their wandering around the city of Sydney for the better part of 24 hours.
I loved Megan Washington's simple but elegant score, which added to the romantic tinge of 'Ellipsis'. I had wistful feelings through parts of this experience, and enjoyed seeing where are two heroes found themselves from one moment to the next. Some of the sequences felt more natural than others, and the geography had me a little baffled at times; but that's because i've spent my entire life on foot in this fabulous city. Small quibbles aside, I am really impressed with Wenham's first outing as a director; and delighted to see the great Emily Barclay demonstrate the immense promise she displayed over a decade ago. 'Ellipsis' may not win AACTA awards; but I do hope it finds an audience. It is a beautifully observed piece both visually and textually. I'm really excited as to what Mr Wenham will do next....
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