Abstract
This is a delightful and engaging collection of Brian McFarlane’s prodigious output of film reviews and analysis. Over a long and distinguished career as a film critic and writer, McFarlane has amassed a very large body of work that is marked out by its rigour and insightfulness. This retrospective of his publications brings together a selection of films reviews that cover notable Australian productions as well as international ones, reviews of film-related books, essays on television and notable people (whether traditionally ‘famous’ or ‘feted’, or not).
One of the most impressive features of McFarlane’s writing is his depth of knowledge – about film form, style, genre, representation, filmmakers as well as an impressive command of the history of the medium both in Australia and overseas. Unlike the few brief paragraphs and star ratings that tend to characterise film (and television programme) reviewing these days, McFarlene’s evaluations are considered and detailed. They provide much more than a guide to whether to bother watching a film or not. His reviews place important audiovisual works in a broader context, In the case of local productions, his insights again and again remind us of the significance of our national cinema and its cultural value.
Yet McFarlene is not sentimental. The essay on Baz Lurhmann and the epic genre (following the release of the ambitious movie Australia) is a perfect example. His dissection of the film is based on an informed critical assessment of the genre and Australia’s somewhat exaggerated claim to ‘epic’ status. But never tainted by the cultural cringe (or sense of inadequacy) that often inflects popular writing on Australian cinema.
McFarlene’s style is clear and highly accessible. It is authoritative and knowledgeable but never arrogant or aloof. Demonstrating an acute awareness of the mainstream audience he often wrote for in national newspapers, his essays deftly balance intellect and critical analysis with popular accessibility.
A thoroughly entertaining and inspiring book that would have a range of applications for academic teachers of film theory and analysis, particularly for undergraduate degree programmes.