*SUNDANCE 2011 #2: MAD BASTARDS

Pulling from stories told by the actors themselves, Brendan Fletcher weaves a bleak narrative of an estranged father trying to reconnect with his wife and son after a thirteen year absence. The film starts much different than the film ends, resembling a hypothetical Aussie version of 'Cops, and finishes as a matter of fact story about a struggling family. Not accustomed to thick Australian accents (with Aboriginal influences), the dialogue within Mad Bastards was difficult to understand at times, but luckily the plot structure was fairly familiar, making it easy to jump back in. Moreso, a large portion of the film wasn't communicated through words, but rather through seamless montages, articulated by a soundtrack as eclectic as the characters in the film. Juxtaposing imagery was often used to develop the plot, as well as Fletcher's fantastic use of silence and reaction - something I always appreciate and hardly see. Despite its basic plot and lack of real ingenuity, Mad Bastards proved to be an interesting film with many redeeming qualities, and an overall good message.

In attendance: O
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1/18/2011