Molonglo

Warning: I am not feeling charitable. And experiencing this DVD has not helped.

Woeful. Sorry folks, but the dialogue had all the convincing elements of a script from a porn movie. In fact it felt like the badly done sex with bored performers was about to happen at any tick of the clock.

Woeful. Absolutely woeful. I couldn't bring myself to watch it all. I turned it off. I didn't care what happened to any of the characters, cos I didn't believe it at all.

Woeful. And to think I had to pay a fine cos I returned it late to the video shop. That added insult to injury!

Woeful.

I have seen 'Term' several times now, and, while it is not the usual 'megaplex' kind of release, it is nonetheless a film which should be experienced. Admittedly, the narrative could have been more engaging; but at least it is a faithful reproduction of the original text, even if it did retain irritating Victorian plot devices, and the astoundingly unquestioned use of 'coincidence.'

There are truly out-of-the-ordinary settings, and some lush lighting, too. I loved the gothic touches. It is obvious that Norman Dawn had a very photographic eye. At times, though, it seems that the film is wanting us to notice the spectacle, rather than the characters (or at least, being engaged by their experiences).

As an Australian committed to the integrity and development of Australian culture and identity, of course I resent the employment of non-Australians in the film, but the Americans WERE adequate (it must be said). And George Fisher as Rufus just gets better as the film progresses.

If you like your film experiences to be pre-digested, with a straightforward narrative and offer no challenge, then don't bother with 'Term.' But if you can turn off your expectations of what a film should be, and watch with fresh eyes, you will find 'Term' to be an insight and an appetite-whetter.