Michael Blakemore Collection ( Country Life / A Personal History of the Australian Surf )

Michael Blakemore Collection (DVD) (*)

Out of Stock

Original Title: Country Life / A Personal History of the Australian Surf
Screened, competed or awarded at:
Australian Film Institute

Language Selections:
English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 )

Product Origin/Format:
Australia ( PAL/Region 0 )

Running Time:
165 min

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen

Special Features:
Behind the scenes
Interactive Menu
Scene Access

Movie filmed in 1981-1994 and produced in:
Australia ( Australia, New Zealand )

Directed By:
Michael Blakemore

Written By:
Michael Blakemore
Anton Chekhov

Actors:
Sam Neill ..... Dr. Max Askey
Greta Scacchi ..... Deborah Voysey
John Hargreaves ..... Jack Dickens
Kerry Fox ..... Sally Voysey
Michael Blakemore ..... Alexander Voysey
Googie Withers ..... Hannah
Patricia Kennedy ..... Maud Dickens
Ron Blanchard ..... Wally Wells
Robyn Cruze ..... Violet
Maurie Fields ..... Fred Livingstone
Bryan Marshall ..... Mr. Pettinger
Tony Barry ..... Logger
Terry Brady ..... Logger
Tom Long ..... Billy Livingstone
Rob Steele ..... James
Ian Bliss ..... David Archdale
Colin Taylor ..... Mr. Wilson
Ian Cockburn ..... Mr. Archdale
Reg Cribb ..... Vicar
Derani Scarr ..... Woman in Crowd
Owen Buik ..... Stationhand
Michael Blakemore ..... Michael Blakemore

Synopsis:

COUNTRY LIFE: When prodigal son Alexander (Michael Blakemore) returns to his homeland in rural Australia, he not only brings with him beautiful English wife Deborah (Greta Scacchi) but a whole lot of baggage that seems to weigh down the perception of his past. Settling into the dusty sheep station where his loyal and hardworking family have lived for generations, it is not long before the interminable flies and heat of the harsh sunburnt land get to the couple, sparking a spectacular movement of discontent. Frustrated by the arrogance and distraction of their new lodgers, Jack (John Hargreaves) and Sally (Kerry Fox) take umbrage at the suggestion that they sell up the farm and move on, determined to defend their estate by any and all means possible. And when local doctor and resident playboy Max (Sam Neill) joins the mix, he instantly becomes drawn to the flirtatious Deborah, compelled to make regular house calls, raising scandalous suspicion within the otherwise conservative community. A lively retelling of Anton Chekhov's classic play Uncle Vanya, Country Life is a cheeky romp, lusciously capturing an era of Australian history with both pathos and aplomb. A PERSONAL HISTORY OF THE AUSTRALIAN SURF: Also included in this exclusive presentation is Michael Blakemores rarely seen 1981 autobiographical documentary A Personal History of the Australian Surf. Part parody, part memoir it is an insightful look at the early days of what has largely become a national pastime. Cheekily subtitled Being the Confessions of a Straight Poofter. Blakemores cultural treat captures the innocence of surfing, highlighting the noble escapist values with both charm and idiosyncratic humour.

This product was added to our catalog on Sunday 23 January, 2022.

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