Now
here’s a local film that packs a real emotional wallop.
In the footsteps of Dustin Hoffman’s Rainman, The
Black Balloon is a sympathetic if more confronting view of
autism. This film is much closer to home set in recognizable Sydney
outer suburbia complete with brick veneers, cranky neighbours,
and Hills hoists. In fact DOP Denson Baker has selected long lenses
to flatten the perspectives and give an even more dispiriting
picture of the ‘burbs.
Co-writer and director Elissa Down has come up with
the goods in this study of the Mollison family, Simon (Erik Thomson)
is an army man trying to keep the peace in a wacky household in
which Charlie (Luke Ford) is autistic and often more than a handful.
They’ve recently arrived in Sydney after a stint in the
Northern Territory. We have heavily pregnant mum Maggie (Toni
Collette) about to give birth, and the other son sixteen year
old Thomas (Rhys Wakefield) trying to care for his brother when
mum has to rest, while at the same time fit into a new school.
Thomas is getting weary of his brother’s tantrums.
He’s attracted to lovely Jackie (Gemma Ward) despite a couple
of very embarrassing incidents with her and Charlie. While courting
Thomas has not only to content with Charlie misbehaving badly,
but also harassment by his thoughtlessly cruel class mates when
they discover his brother is different. With all the frustrations
of his life piling up, Thomas finally gives way to a pent up resentment
of his brother. We feel for this offbeat family in crisis, where
finally acceptance and love saves the day.
The
film brings home dramatically the problems of raising an autistic
child, and community attitudes to the mentally challenged. The
director pulls no punches with scenes like the devastating birthday
party, the confrontation at the school gate, and the vicious family
fight. A great credit to young Luke Ford (Kokoda) who manages
a difficult balancing act between being lovable or a nightmare.
Rhys Wakefield (Home and Away - TV) also gives a strong performance
as he tries to help Charlie at every turn but silently wishes
his brother were normal. Toni Collette (Little Miss Sunshine)
excels here as the sympathetic mother bringing unique compassion
to the part, ex model Gemma Ward (Pink Pyjamas) is convincing
as the bewildered but finally supportive Jackie looking stunning
in her close ups. Erik Thompson (We’re Here To Help) is
solid in his role at the soldier father.
First time director Elissa Down makes an impressive
debut, having experience with autistic children she conjures up
an extremely realistic film. The picture was awarded the Crystal
Bear for Best Feature within the Generation 14 program at the
58th Berlin Film Festival. Though there are disturbing moments,
they’re offset by heartwarming often amusing sequences,
and the genuineness of the acting. It’s watching real people
in real situations not always achieved in Aussie films. Much can
be attributed to the excellent script that is a basis for the
natural performances with the director’s firm hand and dramatic
sense bringing it to fruition.
Despite subject matter which may have limited appeal,
one can only hope that many cinema goers will take the opportunity
to see this little gem. It may well be one of the best Australian
films this year.
Now
here’s a local film that packs a real emotional wallop.
In the footsteps of Dustin Hoffman’s Rainman, The
Black Balloon is a sympathetic if more confronting view of
autism. This film is much closer to home set in recognizable Sydney
outer suburbia complete with brick veneers, cranky neighbours,
and Hills hoists. In fact DOP Denson Baker has selected long lenses
to flatten the perspectives and give an even more dispiriting
picture of the ‘burbs. 
The
film brings home dramatically the problems of raising an autistic
child, and community attitudes to the mentally challenged. The
director pulls no punches with scenes like the devastating birthday
party, the confrontation at the school gate, and the vicious family
fight. A great credit to young Luke Ford (Kokoda) who manages
a difficult balancing act between being lovable or a nightmare.
Rhys Wakefield (Home and Away - TV) also gives a strong performance
as he tries to help Charlie at every turn but silently wishes
his brother were normal. Toni Collette (Little Miss Sunshine)
excels here as the sympathetic mother bringing unique compassion
to the part, ex model Gemma Ward (Pink Pyjamas) is convincing
as the bewildered but finally supportive Jackie looking stunning
in her close ups. Erik Thompson (We’re Here To Help) is
solid in his role at the soldier father.