How Deep Is the Ocean

As an Aussie, I watch a heck of a lot of Australian Indie films - and I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Writer/Director Andrew Walsh's debut film 'How Deep is the Ocean' is a character study of a young 20-something, Eleanor, who arrives in Melbourne, Australia, trying to make a new life for herself. Over the course of the next year, we see her drift from job to job and dealing with low-life Aussie men.

There's nothing huge or momentous that takes place - it's a simple film about life, love, and simply getting by in this world. Interesting to note is that the film didn't have a full screenplay. The storyline was set, but the actors had to improvise dialogue. This results in a film that feels genuine, even if a little awkward at times.

Worth a look!

Good depiction of Melbourne and what to expect if you're moving here with little in your pocket. Impro style works well and the space it creates draws you in to the story and the characters. Andrew Walsh makes a lot of films typically set in Melbourne, depicting raw characters and this is his first feature, which he has pulled off in great style. I'm sure this will open doors to more! The locations work well, the characters are strong and the actors portraying the characters are good choices. Some faces are familiar, having seen them in other productions and films. Music is very effective too!

How Deep is the Ocean is worth a watch. It is a mostly improvised film without much scripted dialogue and is well acted. It is an exploration of Eleanor, played by Olivia Fildes, finding herself in a new environment, the larger city of Melbourne, where she is just looking for a job and will not settle for just anything. She faces unexpected and unfortunate circumstances and the film shows the complexities and realities of living and surviving in a big city. Harsh lessons are learned, but most importantly, life keeps on moving forward.

I loved the shots of Melbourne, the camera work and the natural dialogue. This gave me of feel of Cassavete's Shadows, a raw experimental take on the communion and relationships of people. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to see more of Andrew Walsh's work. This is not your conventional film and it was beautiful exploration of the human condition.

As an American watching an indie drama set in Australia, I was distracted by the beauty of the country and the intricacies and struggles of Australian life. While we can all relate with the struggles of everyday life I found it interesting seeing such portrayals in a world I'm unfamiliar with.

Olivia fiddles is an excellent actress in portraying the struggles and realities of life. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to walk out on my job but never had to guts to do so; it was satisfying seeing her pull the trigger on what I couldn't do.

The film takes a very impromptu approach in its film making style. The scenes seem to almost unfold naturally as Olivia deals with the struggles that director, Andrew Walsh, dishes at her time and time again! If you're interested in seeing the struggles of a young Australian coming of age definitely give How Deep is the Ocean a try!

This quiet, contemplative film takes a bit to hit its stride, but once it does, it casts a spell. It benefits from having a beautiful actress in the lead who is likely destined for big things, Olivia Fildes as the mysterious, mercurial Eleanor. She is well matched by her new flat mate, the alcoholic, unstable but affable comedian, Roy, played by Cris Cochrane. Their seemingly improvisational scenes pull the viewer in with the rhythm of everyday life.

Much of the movie plays out in long, uninterrupted takes. It is a testament to the writing and performances that they, mostly, hold the audience's attention. One early exception is when Eleanor commits an act of rebellion at a dead-end job. It unspools in desultory fashion, a missed opportunity for a bigger payoff.

But at its best, this reminded me of Greta Gerwig/Noah Baumbach collabs like Frances Ha. Poignant observations about life from a young person's point of view in an uncaring world with fleeting moments of grace. The closing piano theme is a fitting and beautiful note to fade out on.