Force of Destiny

I have been a Paul Cox fan since 1982's AFI Best Film winner 'Lonely Hearts' with the late Norman Kaye and the beloved actress to whom this film is partly dedicated: Wendy Hughes. That movie made such a huge impact on me both emotionally and creatively as I considered a potential career in the film and television industry. 'Force of Destiny' may not end up as one of Paul's great films, but once again his unapologetic style and vision is on display here with David Wenham depicting a version of Cox's journey after a cancer diagnosis and liver transplant process several years ago. All of Paul's movies have a moody, sometimes maudlin quality, and true enough to his approach and the sobering truths contained in the screenplay, 'Force' is a mature and considered elegy on life, death, children, love and spirit. The requisite home movie flickers and vignettes that punctuate this at times weighty narrative give an ethereal and contemplative element to the structure. Wenham, as ever is solid, and imbues the character with depth and wry humour. Jacqueline McKenzie is always a welcome addition to any film (when is this superb actress going to get another leading role?). Shahana Goswami has a lovely presence and Hannah Fredericksen provides much heart and grounding for this often distressing tale. It is not for everyone and it is disturbing at times. Facing grief, loss, trauma and mortality are difficult subjects to cover. Paul Cox does it his way. He always has; always will.

Now that we're coming to the end of the decade I think that it's safe to say that this is the worst film I saw this decade. Truly completely horrible. I saw this in a small screening at Cannes and at one point I looked around and the entire row of people beside me was asleep. honestly this could be the next The Room it's so bad

Having been down the cancer chasm and also having live at the Indian/european interface , as well as having a deep appreciation of the art involved I'm at a privileged position to enjoy the great deal this film has to offer and the performances by the lead 3 are terrific. Persistence is well rewarded here with gentle insights, subtlety, and a triumph of reality over Hollywood. David Wenham is a world away from Seachange and Jackie McKenzie has came much further than this movie shows since "Romper Stomper" with Russell. It is also a healthy reminder that sometimes real relationships do TAKE TIME!

I'm a great fan of David Wenham and these other Aussie icons. They have been in some terrific TV programs and films. Sadly this is not one of them. The story-line sounds ideal but the directorship is all over the place, lacking any strength of character or direction, making the actors appear very inferior in their craft. The delivery of lines is poor, the "background" voice of David's role is more inline with a comedy and the random panning to people and flashbacks takes any power away from the main actor. Improve the direction of the film may give the script writers and actors some redemption.