Spotswood

The Australians have always been great with these kind of movies, feel good comedies. Probably more so than the Americans ever have been, and in part, I think it is because any sort of conflict never really appears as such. Somehow, even when things go wrong, the effect is so neutral, or at least not so bad, that you know things are going to work out. Cosi and The Castle are two recent examples that I can think of. And, funny enough, these are movies that Toni Collette usually shows up in.

This is the story of a British efficiency expert (Anthony Hopkins) hired by an Australian shoe maker (Alwyn Kurts) to assess the progress of his Mocassin factory. What initially appears to be a standard job, turns out to be a lesson in compassion and common sense as the efficiency expert befriends the people who have worked nearly thirty years in the factory.

Our subtext is that of a love story when a young man named Carey (Ben Mendelsohn) is eager to date the boss's rather arrogant daughter, Cheryl (Rebecca Riggs), who is not interested, and is in fact, involved with a sleazy coworker (a very young Russel Crowe). Although, it is one of those stories where it is obvious that the fellow is overlooking the perfect girl for him (Toni Collette, who Mendelsohn also co-stars with in 'Cosi').

It is a sweet comedy, and one you'll likely enjoy if you have been satisfied with other recent Australian feel-good comedies. It's quite a nice, funny little film with great performances all around.

Even thinking briefly of this film and I end up humming this tune all day just like Carey's Dad. If you love films which are truly character-driven and sublime in the details, then this film will delight you. You may even begin to see the romance in sitting looking out over an oil refinery or the expertise demanded for racing slot-cars. What a little gem.

i bought this at a dollar store along with some other pretty good DVD double features,the efficiency expert and Eliza's horoscope which i have'nt seen yet.i took a look at the cast and said looks like a good movie.Anthony Hopkins,Russell crowe,Toni Collette,and Angela punch McGregor who i knew from the movie;the island 1980.anyway they send efficiency expert(Hopkins)out to a moccasin factory to check how its being run.and he gets to know all the workers and their lives and such. Russell crowe and Toni Collette both in early roles.Anthony Hopkins is a great actor and makes the movie interesting,its take on a small factory and the people that work there.but for a buck its a real bargain.as double features go sometimes one is good the other not too good,not always the case.but if you venture into a dollar store,look through the dollar dvds.you may find some good ones like i did. i give efficiency expert 8 out of 10.good movie.

Who knew Hannibal Lector could be so subtly funny and filled with pathos. Hopkns turns in a marvelous role of the efficiency consultant who thinks nothing of recommending that half a work force be fired for better profits. Then he visits a down and out shoe company and meets his match in the Mendelshohn and Kurts characters and the rest of their workmates. Indeed, Kurts steals the film as the owner who lives back then and hopes that his efficiency expert can get him and his factory into the modern era, but does not expect it to be as brutal and painful as it is.

Kudos to all. If you want a droll comedy that gives remarkable insight into the human dilemma, rent this. You will not regret it. In closing, pay close attention to how Hopkins portrays a plethora of emotions with only his facial and non verbal reactions. He is a genius!

This movie, Spotswood (aka The Efficiency Expert) is a good movie. I can't say less or more on that one. I could say this gave a "boost" for one or more actors and actresses in this film. Russell Crowe (Gladiator, LA Confidential) played a quite different role as a snobbish two-faced brat, Kim Barry. Hopkins portrayed Mr. Wallace, and doesn't have quite the dialogue of Silence of the Lambs, but more facial expressions than words.

You will not regret watching this movie! Believe me. This happens to have a very excellent story line. I do believe though, that if this were a book, it would have been a bit better, since there was so much in the film that could have been described more accurately than in the movie.

Please take the time to sit down and watch this film. You never know- you could enjoy it!