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The Crime is Mine – French Comedy Murder Mystery Film

The Crime is Mine is the latest from acclaimed director François Ozon and features French stars Isabelle Huppert and Dany Boon, supported by a stellar cast including Fabrice Luchini, André Dussollier, Nadia Tereszkiewicz, and Rebecca Marder. Take a step back to 1930s Paris, as ‘The Crime Is Mine’ follows young and struggling actress Madeline and her loyal friend Pauline.

The film begins with Madeleine being accused of murdering a renowned producer. Assisted by her friend Pauline, a jobless young lawyer, Madeleine is acquitted, claiming self-defence. Astonishingly, her life transforms into one of fame and fortune, with secrets lurking beneath the surface.

The first thing that stood out was the chemistry between the lead females, Madeline (Nadia Tereskiewicz) and Pauline (Rebecca Marder). There is a theme of sisterhood between this pair throughout the film. Pauline consistently goes the extra mile to ensure a lavish lifestyle for the two friends. Another humorous addition to the cast was Isabelle Huppert, who plays former silent film star Odette Chaumette.

François Ozon sets the scene of the 1930s with his visual style, over-the-top acting and a series of plot twists, each more unlikely than the last. The potential flashback scenes of the murder were almost straight out of an old silent film from the 1930s era. Much like films from this era, characters can switch from serious to funny.

The costumes and make-up add to the story as they reflect the period. We watch Madeleine and Pauline’s outfits become more extravagant as the story evolves. The over-the-top outfits worn by Odette added to the larger-than-life character. The production design and soundtrack contribute to the atmosphere set in The Crime is Mine.

The Crime is Mine is an entertaining film that makes comedy and murder work in the same story. It is not always clear where the film will take you next, and the plot twists are funny and unexpected. Although there is some over-acting, this was intentional and not to be taken too seriously.

With more than 1 million admissions at the French box office, The Crime is Mine is the European comedy hit of 2023 and will be released in Australian cinemas on Thursday, 12th October. Oui oui!

This review also appears on It’s On The House.

Something That Happened – A Night of Fun and Laughter

The opening night of ‘Something That Happened’ by The Strangeways Ensemble was one filled with fun and laughter from audience members, young and old alike.

The Strangeways Ensemble, made up of professional neurodiverse actors, put on an inspiring and entertaining performance filled with pop culture and classic references that fit wonderfully within the play’s plot and the base reference to John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.

It was an immersive experience as the audience was able to feel as though they were a fly on the wall during the company’s rehearsals, as well as being part of the conversation about what it means to be neurodivergent with goals and dreams.

The use of narration, both anecdotal and prose extracts from Of Mice and Men by Ethan Arnold, was incredibly powerful. A single spotlight and a microphone on a stage can be very daunting, but he pulled it off with ease. The use of a soundscape, when paired with the monologued moments, pulled the audience in and left me absolutely enthralled. I was astounded when I realised that many sounds were being created in the moment and looped in with the pre-recorded sounds.

It was a lot of fun being in the audience, and there was a clear sense of fun amongst the actors on stage. It was wonderfully unpolished, which is incredibly refreshing. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to sit in an audience and watch something without picking all the minute errors apart from a clearly polished and intensely scheduled performance. There was no need to nitpick because there was no expectation of perfection.

I was very taken with Jordan Bowater’s view on neurodivergent actors; “We shouldn’t have to be defined by what’s wrong with us, we should just be able to be actors.” I do, however, disagree with his view, as I don’t believe that being neurodivergent or having a disability should be categorised as ‘wrong’. The Strangeways Ensemble were wonderfully entertaining and creative with their performance.

‘Something That Happened’ runs until Saturday 23rd September at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (IPAC). It is absolutely worth it, and I recommend it to everyone. Families, friends, take your grandparents, bring your kids, you will have a blast and an eye-opening experience all rolled into one.

Head to the website to grab tickets: https://merrigong.com.au/shows/something-that-happened/

This review also appears on It’s On The House.

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The Circle – The World Through Children’s Eyes

The Italian Film Festival is 23 years young and kicking off in your town. And it’s not just films with a dramatic flair but several documentaries will feature this year, including Il Cerchio – The Circle.

Directed by Sophie Chiarello, The Circle chronicles the journey of Italian primary school students over a five-year period, capturing their unique outlook on the world. The Circle is the winner of best documentary at the 2023 David di Donatello and screening at this year’s Italian Film Festival.

Over five years, students share their thoughts and feelings on a range of topics during circle time. From parents’ separation to Santa Claus, Sophie has given these children a safe space where they are listened to without judgement. As an audience, we get to watch these opinions develop as we watch the children grow.

Through The Circle, Sophie has reminded us that children know much more than we often think. She shows that through a supportive environment, we can gain some unique perspectives from children. It was surprising at times to hear a variety of subjects tackled with maturity. As an audience, we are privileged in a way to learn what is going on inside the minds of children.

The discussion of Christmas clearly indicated the end-of-year holidays and each year flows as you watch the children grow into a new school year. As the children grew, the topics became more advanced, which kept interest as it was insightful to hear a child’s thoughts on a particular topic. The visuals of the playground, while these topics were being discussed, were another reminder that these were young children. They may have had this sense of maturity in their thoughts and feelings, but they also enjoyed playing with their friends.

Something that really stood out about this documentary and school was how supportive they all were of each other. Even if they disagreed with one another, they still gave each other a chance to express their feelings. We also watched the children as they dealt with the impact of COVID on the Italian community and how it completely changed the way we did things beforehand.

For a chance to see the world through primary school children, The Circle is a documentary to watch. The Circle can be seen at this year’s Italian Film Festival from 19th Sept to 25th Oct, although check the dates for regional variations. Check out the movie session times in your local area on the Italian Film Festival website. Ciao Bella!

This review also appears on It’s On The House.

The Hen House – A Storytelling Comedic Rock Concert

When there is an interesting story to be told, why deliver it only in words when you can rock sing it out? The Hen House, directed by Sydney Theatre Award- winner Anthea Williams and presented by PYT Fairfield and Wild Company, had their world premiere performance on Thursday, 7 September 2023, at the Riverside Theatre. This is a story of friendship between migrant women working in a chicken processing factory. It is not presented as a traditional stage play or a theatre musical but more as a storytelling comedic rock concert – and it works!

Four musicians kept the audience company as we were seated, and the upcoming play’s era is clearly communicated through their music. 1970s music has a distinct funky sound and was created by a lead guitar (Gwyneth Jansen), an electric base (Sarah Homeh), a keyboard (Sil Jin) and drums (Hayley Chan) that made my feet tap! Along with the smoky atmosphere and the audience preshow chatter, you could think you’re in a club!

However, when we are introduced to the characters Mila and Pavica, recent migrants from a village in Croatia, all thoughts of a nightclub are gone, and we are immediately placed in the moments travelling alongside these women for the rest of the play. The story they tell paints a picture of two very different women facing the same terrible conditions at the chicken processing factory and how they deal with issues in their own way. They simply draw strength from different places.

Mila (co-creator Mara Knezevic) is a feisty firecracker of a woman who hates her job. In stark contrast, her friend Pavica (co-creator Josipa Draisma) adores her job at the factory as a forewoman, proud to be a working Mum, and both are endearing in their own way.

Being a two-woman play (with some interaction with the musicians onstage behind them), the actresses portray their characters with comedic flair, changing their body language and accents to share other character’s dialogues. Their mannerism, facial expression and Aussie accent captured their sexist and arrogant manager well, whom they refer to as “Mr Getty Boss Man” – the quick change into this character had the audience in laughter, as did the portrayal of fellow factory worker Joy, who used to work in a jam factory and liked to let people know.

The Hen House was performed on a small stage, with no costume changes and very few props, but the audience were able to use their imaginations as Mila and Pavica told their story through powerful songs and physical comedy.

Sime Knezevic co-wrote The Hen House alongside his sisters Josipa Draisma and Mara Knezevic, and was almost three years in the making. The songs were composed by musical director Zeljko Papic and were full of life and fun.

The Hen House is a powerful story, a retelling of the way how women were unfairly treated in the workplace and a time capsule showing Australia’s social and economic history during the 1970’s. It is an ode to migrant women and their working contribution to Australia, giving them a sense of self-respect and pride. It runs for 90 minutes with no interval.

World Premiere – Riverside Theatre 7-9 September 2023

Camden Civic Centre 13-14 September 2023

Orange Civic Centre – 16 September 2023

The Art House Wyong – 20 September 2023

The Concourse Pavilion Chatswood – 22 September 2023

This review also appears on It’s On The House.

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