Dr. Plonkis a 2007Australiansilentsci-fi/comedy filmwritten and directed byRolf de Heer.It premiered in Australia at the2007 Adelaide Film Festivaland had live accompaniment by the Stiletto Sisters. The film was also screened at the launch of Australia'sNational Film and Sound Archive's new cinema, Arc, in August 2007. Its public cinema release was on 30 August 2007.
| Dr. Plonk | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical film poster | |
| Directed by | Rolf de Heer |
| Written by | Rolf de Heer |
| Produced by | Rolf de Heer Julie Ryan |
| Starring | Nigel Martin |
| Cinematography | Judd Overton |
| Edited by | Tania Nehme |
| Music by | Graham Tardif |
Production companies | Australian Film Finance Corporation Vertigo Productions Pty. Ltd. |
| Distributed by | Fandango |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 85 minutes |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
The film, set primarily in 1907, has been described as "a time-travelling satire".[1]The Adelaide Film Festival program described it as "a black and white, silent comedy shot with a hand-cranked camera and brimming with romance, action and especially, slapstick comedy".[2]Its score was composed byGraham Tardif.It is also notable for a cameo appearance by the South Australian Premier,Mike Rann,playing the 2007 Prime Minister.
Plot
editThe story focuses on Dr Plonk, a scientist and inventor who, in 1907, determines that the world will end in 101 years. However, he is ridiculed for his beliefs and so invents a time machine in order to collect evidence from the future to prove his case. But each visit he makes to 2007 only causes him more problems, and he eventually becomes a wanted man...
Cast
edit- Nigel Lunghi as Dr. Plonk
- Magda Szubanskias Mrs Plonk
- Paul Blackwell as Dr Plonk's assistant, Paulus
- Reg the dog as Tiberius the dog
Production
editDe Heer was inspired to make the film after discovering old raw film stock, which prompted him to make a silent movie.[3]
Release
editDr. Plonkwas distributed in Australia by Palace Films.
Reception
editBox office
editDr. Plonkgrossed $83,450 at the box office in Australia.[4]
Critical response
editThis sectionneeds expansion.You can help byadding to it.(October 2020) |
Urban Cinefile Critics gave a positive review; "Beyond its novelty value,Dr Plonkis fresh and funny, wacky and outlandish as it combines slapstick, situation comedy and an audacious premise. "[citation needed]
Accolades
editJudd Overton won an award from theAustralian Cinematographers SocietyasSA & WA Silver Award for Best Cinematography.[citation needed] Additionally, Graham Tardif was nominated for aFCCA AwardforBest Music Score.[citation needed]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^National Film and Sound Archive
- ^Adelaide Film Festival (2007)
- ^Andrew L Urban, "DE HEER, ROLF – DR PLONK",Urban Cinefile.Retrieved 11 November 2012
- ^"Film Victoria - Australian Films at the Australian Box Office"(PDF).Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 18 February 2011.Retrieved8 November2010.
External links
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