Film critic David Stratton reveals the classic Aussie movie he regrets giving one star: ‘I completely misunderstood it’
As a film enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a tinge of remorse when I recall David Stratton’s less-than-favorable review of The Castle back in 1997. Having had the privilege to witness the evolution of Australian cinema, it’s clear now that this classic comedy was more than just a telemovie. It was a masterpiece that resonated with audiences and left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape.
Renowned Australian film critic David Stratton has disclosed the Australian film that he feels remorseful about having given an unfavorable critique.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, the 85-year-old admitted that he didn’t fully grasp the 1997 movie “The Castle” and only gave it 1.5 out of 5 stars.
He stated, “That was the initial movie produced by a group primarily known for TV work. To me, it seemed more like a TV film, but I’m quite fond of the aesthetic aspects in cinematography.
‘I also found the humour a little bit patronising.’
David admitted he has since watched the film several times and finds it very entertaining.
He clarified, “I must’ve missed the joke initially, but after rewatching it several times, I find it quite amusing now.
For a span of 28 years, Stratton teamed up with Margaret Pomeranz on-air. Initially, they hosted The Movie Show on SBS, later shifting to At The Movies on ABC.
Disagreements with ABC management saw he and Pomeranz leave the show in 2014.
Stratton persisted with his involvement in films, fittingly conducting a course on cinematic history at the University of Sydney.
Originally published in 1997, “The Castle” is a humorous film that centers around a working-class family’s struggle against real estate developers.
Anne Tenney, Stephen Curry, Sophie Lee, Eric Bana, and Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell appeared together with Michael Caton in a very low-budget movie.
In the year 2000, the same team that brought you a beloved comedy hit – Rob Sitch, Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, and Jane Kennedy – went on to create another classic comedy titled “The Dish.
On a meager production budget of only $750,000, The Castle managed to thrive financially, raking in an impressive $10.3 million at the Australian box office.
Caton gained widespread fame in Australia following his portrayal of a Melbourne resident, a devoted family man, who fiercely defended his household against the government’s efforts to seize it for airport expansion plans.
After that, Caton made appearances in numerous high-profile Australian dramas such as Packed to the Rafters, Strange Bedfellows, The Animal, and All Saints.
He also starred alongside Sam Neill in Rams last year, and in the Packed to the Rafters reboot, Back to the Rafters.
In the year 2021, Caton disclosed that he earned a meager amount when he played Darryl Kerrigan in The Castle, receiving only $3000 for his efforts.
In a conversation with ABC’s Australian Story, Caton expressed that while an eleven-day project may cost $3000 initially, it could lead to a long and prosperous career, which is the true compensation for ‘The Castle’.
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2024-12-08 04:03