Insight
There's no doubt about it, us aussies sure can make good quality entertaining films. No wonder the Hollywood film industry is worried about us. Hot on the heels of another aussie success story "The Hard Word", comes this robust tale of crime in the lates sixties aptly named "Dirty Deeds". There's no doubt about it though, a bit of a mongrel pedigree runs through this film, "Dirty Deeds". It has a rollicking foot tapping soundtrack, a damn good cast including the fabulous Mr John Goodman ["Oh Brother Where Ar't Thou" and "Storytelling"] and that quintessentia craftsman Mr Sam Neill ["Molokai"], it's a damn good yarn [based on a true story] and like all tongue in cheek aussie films it deliciously takes the piss out of everything. Throw into the mix your typical aussie larakin Bryan Brown ["Risk" & "Two Hands"], the remarkable Miss Toni Collette ["Sixth Sense", "Changing Lanes" & "About A Boy"] and the stage is set for audiences to have a good time. The period recreation is handled exceptionally well throughout "Dirty Deeds" as we travel back to a period when the Vietnam War was raging and the world was being consumed by psychedelia, drugs and a time when criminal gangs flourished in Sydney thanks to a heap of "bent" coppers. Australian audiences will see many familiar faces in "Dirty Deeds" like William McInnes [Barry right hand man] and Bille Brown [a corrupt senator] which adds to the enjoyment of the film. "Dirty Deeds" is highly recommended to cinema fans.
The Story
Barry [has his hands full. He's in the pokie machine business and a local punk is trying to muscle into his territory. With a whole lot of enthusiastic back-up from his gang members and a bent copper named Ray [Sam Neill] Barry gets everyone back on track. Trouble is the Mafia have their eyes on the "land down under" and they've sent Tony [John Goodman] out to make the locals an offer they shouldn't refuse. The Mafia is relying on Tony to come up with the goods but just in case he doesn't they have sent along some insurance, a gun happy pscychopath named Sal [Felix Williamson]. Will Barry welcome them with open arms or a belly full of bullets?
The Verdict
"Another fine example of why everyone loves australian films. "Dirty Deeds" is made for just two purposes. To entertain and provide great pleasure for its audiences. On both counts this reviewer is happy to report that "Dirty Deeds" succeeds wonderfully well. Hats off to some remarkable performances. Stick it up the yanks by spending your cinema dollars on what should be another aussie cinema success story."
What The Critics Say
" The contrast of the backstreets of Kings Cross with the vast, red dusty outback makes a great juxtaposition, and things really hot up when Barry decides to teach the mafia 'big boys' a lesson or two. Don't be afraid to dig in - Dirty Deeds is dynamite indeed!
Louise Keller URBAN CINEFILE
The script zings, the cast sings and the music rocks; what more can you ask of a Saturday night at the movies?
Andrew L Urban URBAN CINEFILE
The Cast
Bryan Brown
Toni Collette
John Goodman
Sam Neill
Sam Worthington
Kestie Norassi
Felix Williamson
William McInnes
Gary Wadell
Andrew S Gilbert
Gabriel Egan
John McNeill
Brett Hicks-Maitland
Bille Brown
Tim Draxl
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Barry
Sharon
Tony
Ray
Darcy
Margaret
Sal
Hollywood
Freddie
Norm
Stevo
Sergeant
Constable
Senator
Young Outback Cop
Directed by David Caeser
Written by David Caeser
Produced by Bryan Brown & Deborah Balderstone
Run Time 98 minutes
Rated [AUST] MA15+
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