Esteemed Critic Admits to Misjudging an Iconic Aussie Film—Guess Which One-Star Review He Wishes to Retract!
- Replies 12
As the curtains draw back on the world of cinema, we often find ourselves reflecting on the films that have shaped our culture and identity. But what happens when a highly respected voice in the film industry admits to a misstep in judgment? This is precisely what happened with David Stratton, a name synonymous with film criticism in Australia, who recently made a surprising confession about a classic Aussie movie he once panned.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, the venerable 85-year-old critic expressed regret over the one-star review he initially gave to the 1997 film 'The Castle.' Stratton, known for his discerning eye and passion for the visual artistry of cinema, admitted, 'I completely misunderstood it.' At the time, he felt the film, which was the first feature from a team primarily known for television work, resembled a telemovie and criticised its humour as 'a little bit patronising.'
'The Castle,' directed by Rob Sitch and starring Michael Caton, Anne Tenney, Stephen Curry, Sophie Lee, Eric Bana, and Charles 'Bud' Tingwell, tells the heartwarming and humorous tale of a blue-collar family's fight to save their home from being acquired by developers. Despite its shoestring budget of just $750,000, the film struck a chord with audiences, grossing a remarkable $10.3 million at the Australian box office.
Stratton, who alongside Margaret Pomeranz became a staple of Australian television with their insightful reviews on 'The Movie Show' on SBS and later 'At The Movies' on ABC, has since had a change of heart about 'The Castle.' After multiple viewings, he now finds the film 'very funny' and acknowledges his initial misinterpretation. This candid admission is a testament to the evolving nature of film appreciation and the power of cinema to resonate differently over time.
The film's legacy extends beyond its box office success. Michael Caton's portrayal of Darryl Kerrigan, the determined Melbourne family man, became iconic, catapulting him to stardom in Australia. Caton's career flourished with roles in beloved Australian dramas such as 'Packed to the Rafters' and 'Strange Bedfellows,' and he continued to charm audiences in recent productions like 'Rams' and the 'Packed to the Rafters' reboot, 'Back to the Rafters.'
Interestingly, Caton revealed that he was paid a mere $3,000 for his role in 'The Castle,' a modest sum for a performance that would define his career as he reflected on ABC's Australian Story, 'Eleven-day shoot, $3,000, but decades of career after. That's the real payment of The Castle.'
Stratton's admission is a reminder that even the most seasoned critics can revisit and revise their opinions. It also highlights the enduring appeal of 'The Castle,' a film that has become an endearing part of Australia's cultural fabric. The movie's depiction of the underdog triumphing against the odds resonates with the Australian spirit, and its quotable lines have etched themselves into the national lexicon.
So, dear readers of the Seniors Discount Club, have you ever had a change of heart about a film you initially dismissed? What are your thoughts on 'The Castle' and its place in Australian cinema history? Share your experiences and join the conversation about how time can alter our perceptions of art and entertainment.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, the venerable 85-year-old critic expressed regret over the one-star review he initially gave to the 1997 film 'The Castle.' Stratton, known for his discerning eye and passion for the visual artistry of cinema, admitted, 'I completely misunderstood it.' At the time, he felt the film, which was the first feature from a team primarily known for television work, resembled a telemovie and criticised its humour as 'a little bit patronising.'
'The Castle,' directed by Rob Sitch and starring Michael Caton, Anne Tenney, Stephen Curry, Sophie Lee, Eric Bana, and Charles 'Bud' Tingwell, tells the heartwarming and humorous tale of a blue-collar family's fight to save their home from being acquired by developers. Despite its shoestring budget of just $750,000, the film struck a chord with audiences, grossing a remarkable $10.3 million at the Australian box office.
Esteemed film critic David Stratton regrets giving The Castle just one and a half stars. Credit: X
Stratton, who alongside Margaret Pomeranz became a staple of Australian television with their insightful reviews on 'The Movie Show' on SBS and later 'At The Movies' on ABC, has since had a change of heart about 'The Castle.' After multiple viewings, he now finds the film 'very funny' and acknowledges his initial misinterpretation. This candid admission is a testament to the evolving nature of film appreciation and the power of cinema to resonate differently over time.
The film's legacy extends beyond its box office success. Michael Caton's portrayal of Darryl Kerrigan, the determined Melbourne family man, became iconic, catapulting him to stardom in Australia. Caton's career flourished with roles in beloved Australian dramas such as 'Packed to the Rafters' and 'Strange Bedfellows,' and he continued to charm audiences in recent productions like 'Rams' and the 'Packed to the Rafters' reboot, 'Back to the Rafters.'
Interestingly, Caton revealed that he was paid a mere $3,000 for his role in 'The Castle,' a modest sum for a performance that would define his career as he reflected on ABC's Australian Story, 'Eleven-day shoot, $3,000, but decades of career after. That's the real payment of The Castle.'
Stratton's admission is a reminder that even the most seasoned critics can revisit and revise their opinions. It also highlights the enduring appeal of 'The Castle,' a film that has become an endearing part of Australia's cultural fabric. The movie's depiction of the underdog triumphing against the odds resonates with the Australian spirit, and its quotable lines have etched themselves into the national lexicon.
So, dear readers of the Seniors Discount Club, have you ever had a change of heart about a film you initially dismissed? What are your thoughts on 'The Castle' and its place in Australian cinema history? Share your experiences and join the conversation about how time can alter our perceptions of art and entertainment.
.png){kind=icon}
