Director/Co-writer: Ana Kokkinos
Co-Writers: Andrew Bovell, Mira Robertson
Cinematographer: James Grant
Ari: Alex Dimitriades
Johnny: Paul Capsis
Betty: Elena Mandalis |
If you're like me, you want to like Australian films. There is something special about seeing ourselves up on the screen. Whilst there's always the odd one that makes you cringe, the vast majority are satisfying. Once in a while one comes along that really blows your mind. Ana Kokkinos, known for her short film "Only the Brave", has produced such a film.
"Head On" is a hard-hitting, honest film that moves at a relentless pace. It is best described as in the genre of contemporary, urban grittiness - think of the British film "Stella Does Tricks". These films present aspects of life as it is, not the way we want it to be.
Ari (Alex Dimitriades) is on the surface an arrogant young man who thinks only of himself and seeks to blunt the realities of his life by losing himself in a world of music, drugs and casual sex. He is unemployed, he is Greek, and he is gay.
"Head On", adapted from the novel "Loaded" by Christos Tsiolkos's, takes us through 24 hours in Ari's life. It is a compliment to the direction and the central performance that, despite his obvious anger at the world and everyone in it, we recognise and empathise with Ari's underlying pain and confusion. We desperately want him to find a solution to his many conflicts, to come to terms with who he is and how he fits in today's society.
Alex Dimitriadis is stunning in the role of Ari. It's Ari's story and his character holds the many strands of the film together. In fact all the performances are excellent. Paul Capsis is particularly good as Ari's openly gay friend Johnny, as is Elena Mandalis as Ari's friend Betty.
With an R rating the film may prove confronting for some viewers because of its open and honest representation of sexual encounters and drug use. However these are not present for shock value but rather as part of a story that explores many issues including questions of cultural identity, sexual identity, and the generation gap.
The cinematography, music and editing add to the impact of the film which takes the viewer on a roller-coaster ride of emotions from tears to laughter and celebration.
"Head On" is Vibrant, Alive and Truthful. It is very Melbourne, yet universal in its themes.
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