AUSTRALIA (Yes, I know it's a movie!-)

I discussed this yesterday elsewhere, and my opinions/response is as following: In order for an Aussie movie to be noticed overseas, it either has to have some kooky thing going for it (ie. Priscilla Queen of the Desert or Muriel's Wedding), or it has to be just as 'blockbuster' as Hollywood movies. Look at our local movies; they're either too indie to compete or they're terrible anyway. Or, like Priscilla and Muriel's Wedding, they're too 'Aussie' to capture a long-standing interest overseas. Crocodile Dundee is popular only because it appeals to the stereotype of Australia, as well as being your average 'tough guy overcomes conflict' thing. Baz Lurhmann's background (ie. Romeo and Juliet, but in particular Strictly Ballroom) shows that he can do Hollywood, but still keep things interesting. However, I really think that this movie was pitched more for overseas audiences than for an Australian one. One reason is to try and encourage more films to be produced in Australia, where the film industry is languishing from lack of government and corporate funding (a big reason as to why we have a lot of well-known Aussies returning to make this film IMHO). Another reason is to try and tell a particularly 'Australian' story, which captures the hearts of audiences overseas and encourages them to go see the next Aussie film. Yet another reason is to encourage Australians - and those overseas - to see an Aussie film and not immediately judge it as a bombed effort before it even hits the screens. From what I've seen of the film, it looks well-produced, has an interesting storyline, good actors and a good director, but I'm guessing it doesn't break a sweat in terms of doing much more than offering up a romantic tale for short-attention span viewers. Round head foam puppet pattern at Puppets in Melbourne