Two Good films from (and on) the edge

THE HAWK IS DYING
Paul Giammatti (sp) gives an outstanding performance in this forgotten, so unsexy film. I loved the characters, I loved the premise, I loved the unpretentiousness--so rare these 'blockBUSTer' days. Giammatti is wonderful, unkempt, stolid.
LAST TRAIN TO FREO
Auzzie film adopted from a stage play--no one I've ever seen. Although there are other films from around the world that explore this milieu, great performances by the two thugs raise the game (especially Steve Le Marquand!)

I dunno about love, the falling in kind, but empathy is what makes these films excelsior. In a world commodified to the bitter end, I for one crave films that are well done, without huge plot holes (which like pot holes can ruin your day) and show AN OUT to the cold, bank-note lined march they call society. These men are visceral, vulnerable, complex and quite plain--all in about an hour and thirty.
They are also people at the end of the line, reduced to their base elements by....well you be the judge. And unlike the bulk of films which sell us capitol violence like it were bubble gum, they respond in their own awkward, misunderstood, damnthetorpedoes way. Which can be it's own reward--or a hiccup in a gale.

Last Train to Freo

B: A fine flick, exploring fears, both rational and irrational, outcast personalities, and a little bit-o-love. Great acting, though I have some issues with the believability of the climax scene, and was a little distracted by how much the leading lady looked like a good friend. If you agree (about the ending), watch the dvd extras for some deeper insight into something you may have missed in the ending, which may indicate a different take on that scene.