At A Glance
What can one say that hasn't already been written in the reams of platitudes describing the brilliant talents of writer, producer, director Rolph De Heer. Last years 'man of the moment' in the Australian film industry has done it again with this, his 10th film, the drama, "Alexandra's Project". This is a meaty, juicey adult drama which will both shock and delight audiences. "Alexandra's Project" is a mixture of intrigue, surprise, dark dialogue and images yet, as far as drama's go, it is never slow, is always moving forward and certainly grips the imagination and stimulates the senses. De Heers works are "out there on their own' and "Alexandra's Project" is no exception. De Heer has the knack of always producing something 'out of the box' and, just like "Bad Boy Bubby" did in 1993, "Alexandra's Project" will make its mark in 2003. Australias most recognised 'bad boy' Gary Sweet shares the lead with Helen Buday.
Gary Sweet, the Adelaide boy, who attended Brighton High School, then studied to qualify as a teacher [a profession he never entered] became a familiar face to television audiences here when he gained a role in one of Australias most loved TV series, "The Sullivans". It was the beginning of acareer that would bring many rewards including AFI Award for Best Actor in a Television Series [1992, 1993], Dual TV Week Silver Logie Award for Most Outstanding Actor on Australian Television and Most Popular Actor in a Television Series [1993] and the People's Choice Award for Most Popular Movie Star, Most Popular Male Television Star and Most Popular Movie [1994]. His television credits included Wildside, Big Sky, Cody, The Flying Doctors, A Country Practice, Police Rescue and more recently he has made his mark in the police drama Stingers. His film credits include "Love In Ambush", "What The Moon Saw", "Indecent Obsession", "The Dreaming", "Fever", "The Lighthorsemen ", "Nightmares" and that sensation of 2003, "The Tracker".
Helen Buday is recognised as one of Australia's most versatile and respected theatre actresses. A graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art [1983] Buday has appeared in the stage productions of The Three Sisters, A Midsummer's Night Dream, The Importance of Being Earnest and The Doll's House. Recognised for her talented singing abilities, Budday has played the lead in My Fair Lady, Cabaret, High Society, The Threepenny Opera, Macbeth [Lady MacBeth] and The Marriage of Figaro [The Countess]. Budays screen debut came in the 1984 Kennedy-Miller film "Mad Max III - Beyond Thunderdome" followed by "For Love Alone" and De Heers "Dingo". Buday hasn't limited her appearances just to the stage and film, she has also appeared on a number of television shows down under including Stingers, Water Rats, Secrets and Land of Hope. Her wealth of experience shines through in this lead role of Alexandra.
The Story
Steve [Gary Sweet] is about to celebrate a milestone, his fourtieth birthday. Yes, this is it, the big 4-0 and he knows its going to be a a very special day. Steve loves his kids Emma and Sam. He appears to be the ideal father, the ideal husband. He works hard and is hoping for a promotion. Steve cares for and is concerned about his wifes well being including here recent obsession with home security. All appears normal as Steve prepares to face another day at the office. Well, there is an air of excitement. He knows Alexandra is planning a surprise for him. He knows the kids are looking forward to giving him his birthday presents. But Steve has no idea what Alexandra has in store for him. It will be a surprise alright, one which will titillate, surprise and shock him. Steve is about to discover the real Alexandra and life for Steve will never be the same again.
The Verdict
"When it comes to the 'right stuff' it's all here, packaged into this, the latest Rolph De Heer film, "Alexandra's Project". It will shock, delight, tittilate and stimilate your senses. "Alexandra's Project" is a film about marriage, marriage with a twist. "Alexandra's Project" is a film about love, one sided and totally selfish. "Alexandra's Project" is about discovering that what appears normal, safe, secure in a marriage may only be so in one persons mind. "Alexandra's Project" reveals the truth about taking things for granted and not seeing the big picture. A cocktail of emotions. More twists than a corkscrew. A film all married couples should witness."
The Cast & Crew
Gary Sweet
Helen Buday
Bogdan Koca
Samantha Knigge
Jack Christie
Eileen Darley
Geoff Revell
Phillip Spruce
Nathan O'Keefe
Peter Green
Martha Lott
Cindy Elliott
Gemma Falk
Nicole Daniel
Duncan Graham
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Steve
Alexandra
Bill
Emma
Sam
Christine
Rodney
Taxi Driver
Man at Door
Chairman
Office Worker
Office Worker
Office Worker
Office Worker
Office Worker
Directed by Rolph De Heer
Written by Rolph De Heer
Director of Photography Ian Jones ACS
Film Editor Tania Nehme
Music by Graham Tardif
Production Design Ian Jobson & Phil Macpherson
Associate Producer Nils Erik Nielsen
Casting by Audine Leith & Faith Martin
Still Photography by Matthew Nettheim
Hair/Make-up & Wardrobe Beverley Freeman
Rated MA15+ [AUST]
Run Time 103 minutes
c 2003 Palace Enterprises Pty Ltd/SA Film Corp & Fandango Australia Pty Ltd
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