Men’s Group film review
Men’s Group is being shown at the Frankston Arts Centre on Monday November 16th at 7pm. Details here.
This review by NEIL WALKER was published in the August editions of our seven community newspapers.
Having unlikeable characters isn’t a charge that can be levelled against Men’s Group. Yes, the six men featured – Paul, Freddy, Cecil, Lucas, Moses and Alex – who meet weekly to discuss their lives and current issues have gruff exteriors and you couldn’t say they’re all saints but it’s affecting to see them struggle to articulate their feelings amid much male embarrassment at indulging in “a sookfest”, as the cynical Moses succinctly puts it at one stage in proceedings.
This is not even a low budget movie – it’s a no budget movie. Shot on digital video, not film stock, its grainy and fly-on-the-wall look may be initially offputting but given time Men’s Group’s apparent flaws work in its favour. There’s a real sense of being a participant, or at the very least an eavesdropper, in the men’s discussions about loneliness, relationships and fatherhood. This effect is due in no small part to the restricted budget making everything depicted seem real and raw.
A ‘no name’ cast also serves the film’s premise well. It’s easy to believe in these guys as they wrestle with their personal demons. Every performance is outstanding, from the sad clown that is stand up comedian Freddy to the coldly psychopathic Lucas. Most male viewers will identify with at least one of these blokes, be it the ‘normal’ middle aged Alex struggling to communicate with his teenage son, the elderly Cecil who’s bewildered to be alone since his wife died or the less than upfront Paul, who’s a good listener but is less than honest to the group about his own domestic situation.
After many awkward meetings, a traumatic event forces the group to open up. Some cope better than others with unleashing their innermost feelings. Some find a way to move on, others are seemingly trapped to repeat the mistakes of their past. There’s no easy resolutions. Glimpses of the men’s day-to-day lives outside the confines of the weekly meetings also provide further insight into their state of mind.
This isn’t a light hearted movie, although there are moments of black humour to occasionally brighten proceedings. It’s by no means a Friday (or indeed Saturday) night ‘feel good’ movie but there is definitely something heartwarming about watching some of the group take responsibilty for their lives and personal happiness.
If you’re in the mood for some serious adult fare featuring top notch acting then Men’s Group is a local release well worth considering.
An afternoon with local author Garry Disher
The Fellowship of Australian Writers is hosting an afternoon with local author Garry Disher (interviewed in October’s edition of our seven community newspapers). It’s sure to be an illuminating experience for aspiring writers and avid readers alike.
The FELLOWSHIP OF AUSTRALIAN WRITERS
Peninsula Branch
invites you to
an Afternoon with Garry Disher
at the Mornington Information Centre
corner Main and Elizabeth Streets, Mornington
(parking at rear)
2 pm Sunday 15th November 2009
Cost $10.00
Garry Disher has published more than 30 books since 1976 from the lyrical and heartwarming The Bamboo Flute, to the hardboiled Wyatt thrillers, or the acclaimed The Sunken Road. He has put together anthologies and contributed to periodicals in Australia and abroad. His work style is probably emblematic for the professional writer of the last decade of our century.
Now a Mornington Peninsula resident, he will talk generally about becoming a writer, what he writes, pitfalls he has encountered and how he dealt with them. He will invite questions from the audience at the end of his talk.
and
The Fellowship of Australian Writers Peninsula Branch
will launch its members’ current anthology.
Copies will be available for purchase.
Drinks and refreshments will be served.
Lucky door prizes
Enquiries Charmaine 9773 1397
ACHTUNG! Vesbar’s Oktoberfest ist sehr gut
Vesbar in Somerville are celebrating Oktoberfest throughout the month of October.
Buy a Stien of DAB for $15 and you get to keep the Stien. Refills (500mls) are only $7 each.
All German, Belgium, Dutch and Czech beers are on special, including DAB, Radeberger, Budvar, Schofferhofer, Schwelmer, Kaiser Becks and Duvel.
Why not go along to Vesbar’s German sausage night next weekend?
When: Friday 30th – German sausage night. Munch on locally made Bratwursts (from Tim the butcher – near Safeways) between 6.30pm to 8pm.
Where: Vesbar Wine Bar, 80 Station Street, Somerville
Invitation to Remembrance Day celebrations
Pearcedale Public Hall Association invites you to attend this year’s Remembrance Day celebrations to be held at the Cenotaph Site in the Hall grounds.
Assisting on the day will be City of Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett and Members of Parliament. Local organisations will include Cranbourne RSL, Pearcedale Primary School and the CFA.
Great thought and imagination goes into Pearcedale Public Hall Association’s presentation each year so you will be sure to find their service both stimulating and rewarding.
They look forward to you joining them on this occasion.
Date: Wednesday 11th November 2009
Time: 10am for a 10.15am start
Venue: Pearcedale Public Hall, Cr Pearcedale & Queens Road
Refreshments served in the hall following the service.
Join the First Monday Book Club
The First Tuesday Book Club airs every month on ABC TV. Hosted by Jennifer Byrne, the show features regular panellists Marieke Hardy and Jason Steger with celebrity guests reviewing books they’ve read.
Local Mornington Peninsula bookworms are invited to join the local First Monday Book Club, a relaxing forum where a passion for books can be shared.
Book club meets will take place on the first Monday evening of each month (hence the name!). Petersen’s Book Store in Hastings has kindly agreed to allow the club to meet in store after hours. They’re even providing free drinks and nibblies!
First book up for review is Things We Didn’t See Coming by Steven Amsterdam. It recently won The Age newspaper’s 2009 Book Of The Year award. Further books to read and discuss will be decided at future Book Club meets.
Also, if you like, bring along another book you’ve read recently to recommend to the group. It’s all about reading and (hopefully!) enjoying books.
When: Monday 2nd November at 6pm
Where: Petersen’s Book Store, 103 High Street, Hastings
For further info please email: hastingsbookclub@gmail.com
Hastings News: September 09 edition
September’s edition of the Hastings News is out now.
This issue includes:
- Sustainable ‘green port’ plan outlined for Port of Hastings
- Local anger at Crib Point bitumen plant approval
- Four year extension of Neighbourhood Renewal in Hastings
- Youthlaw Service now available
- Local CFAs visit future firefighters
- Fashion Chatter with Bondi Chic’s Jennifer Sutherland
- Community House news
- Crib Point Junior Football Club poster
- How To Win Friends And Influence People: Interview with US Consul General Michael Thurston who visited the Peninsula last month
- Hec Sutherland: His Story (Part Two): Interview and article by Peter McCullough
- Big Black Hummer by Stuart McCullough
- The New Australian….Isn’t Going Back by Jaime McDougall
- Editorial: Thinking About The Responsibilities Of Imminent Fatherhood by Cameron McCullough
- DVD Delights: The Counterfeiters and W reviewed by Neil Walker
- A Grant Of Salt with Cliff Ellen
- Entertainment with Gary Turner: focus on Jimmy Little and Australian country music icon John Williamson
- Westernport Warriors Down In Heart Stopper: ‘A’ Grade RecLink Grand Final report
- Hastings Junior Football Club news
- Crib Point Junior Football Club news
- Hastings Bowling Club news
- Warwick ‘Wok’ Graham Breaks MPNFL Senior Games Record
Welcome to Mornington Peninsula News Group’s blog
Welcome to Mornington Peninsula News Group‘s blog.
We’ll keep you updated here on what’s happening with the seven monthly community newspapers we publish.
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