David Stratton: A Cinematic Life

As a long term fan like myself, getting to see At the Movies host and renowned Australian film critic David Stratton back on screen is a joy in itself and that Sally Aitkin's affectionate documentary about the esteemed film lover and Australian film at large is such an insightful accompaniment is a lovely bonus to once more getting to hear Stratton talk film and its many memorable incarnations.

A condensed version of the 3 part ABC series titled David Stratton's History of Australian Cinema, A Cinematic Life offers an insight into Stratton's life as a long time film fan, a watcher of over 20,000 movies and an Australian immigrant and also acts as a thoroughly enjoyable account of the local films that have not only shaped our cinematic landscape, but Stratton's life as a foreigner to our fair shores.

Those seeking a deep and expansive delving into of Stratton's personal life may be disappointed but Aitkin's does a great job of exploring the key moments of Stratton's life from his childhood affiliation with movies, exploration of Australia as a tourist to becoming director of the Sydney Film Festival, right through to Stratton's famed time as a well-known critic and host of SBS's turned ABC's show At the Movies.

It's a life well lived and Stratton's exemplary knowledge of films of all shapes and sizes is as strong as ever and having the passionate film fan walk us through the Australian film cannon from ground-breaking originals to modern day masterpieces such as Animal Kingdom is a pure joy as a cinephile.

Stratton has always had an incredible ability to confidently explain films merits and importance and in particular why certain films have a power over us as works of art and each film Stratton discusses through A Cinematic Life comes alive thanks to his passion and carefully considered analysis.

It offers us further understanding as to why Stratton's regard in the industry long ago moved away from a mere critic to a campaigner and ally to filmmakers from our industry and from all over the world, a respectable voice to pieces of art that deserve to be seen and heard and a critic not afraid to stand-up for his beliefs.

Final Say –

For anyone with even a passing interest in Australian film A Cinematic Life is a pure unbridled pleasure to watch, while for Stratton aficionados like myself, getting to spend time with and learn more about the life of Australia's all-time great film critic is a delightful experience, with the added bonus of getting to be a part of a wonderful lunch date with one-time partner in crime Margaret Pomeranz (insults and arguments included).

4 wine throwing directors out of 5

A superb homage to The Australian Film Industry and its history up till today. Who better to tell this story and his own life and involvement in it than our favourite film critic David Stratton.. . I attended a Q&A session at Mt Vic Flix with Sally Aitken the producer and David Stratton and was so impressed by the quality of this documentary style film and it's affectionate and at times very moving treatment of a mans passion for his adopted country and the art of its cinema.

It made me and I'm sure other film buffs want to see some of Davids favourites like News Front, ,Wake in Fright and Careful He Might Hear You again , just to name a few. We heard there will also be a 3 part television series later this year to extend this enjoyable and informative movie that will include footage and clips not seen today

Lets hope our Australian film industry keeps making original films that are unique to our culture and that arts funding by what ever Government is in office continues and improves , so one day we may see movies to equal My Brilliant Career ,Picnic at Hanging Rock , Muriel's Wedding or another Shine.

There have been a lot if underrated Aussie films. So hard to believe I watched for 3 hours and not a mention of my favourite Tim. Even my favourite musical Starstruck only gets 5 seconds in episode 2. Muriel's Wedding, Strictly Ballroom, Mad Max, Crocodile Dundee, Walkabout and Picnic At Hanging Rock are well represented though.

This three part series provides an interesting insight into Australian cinema. As the title suggests it is led by David Stratton, a prominent film critic who moved from Britain to Australia as a young man and fell in love with the country and its films. Over the course of the three part series he discusses a variety of films; some which are globally famous and many which I hadn't heard of. His insight is fascinating and not limited to films that he liked. Much is made of the cultural importance of many of the films; notably how films about the mistreatment Australia's native population led public opinion. The comments are illustrated by excerpts from the films... it must be noted that several show major spoilers; presumably it was assumed that most of the intended audience will have seen those films. David Stratton does a fine job narrating and the clips of him critiquing films at the time of their release are interesting.

I would certainly recommend this to any film fan; particularly if you are interested in Australian films.