Blueback(film)
| Blueback | |
|---|---|
 Teaser poster | |
| Directed by | Robert Connolly |
| Screenplay by |
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| Based on | Blueback by Tim Winton |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography |
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| Edited by | Nick Meyers |
| Music by | Nigel Westlake |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Roadshow Films |
Release dates |
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Running time | 103 minutes |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
Bluebackis a 2022 Australiandrama filmdirected byRobert Connolly,from a screenplay written by Connolly andTim Winton,based on Winton's 1997novel of the same name.The film centres on a young girl who befriends a wildblue groperwhile diving, and becomes a passionate activist for protecting the ecosystem of Australia'scoral reefsfrom destruction. It starsMia Wasikowska,Radha Mitchell,Ilsa Fogg, Liz Alexander, Ariel Donoghue, Clarence Ryan, Pedrea Jackson,Erik Thomson,Eddie BarooandEric Bana.[1]
The film premiered at the2022 Toronto International Film Festival[2]on 10 September 2022,[3]and had its theatrical release in Australia on 1 January 2023.
At the2023 ARIA Music Awards,the soundtrack was nominated forARIA Award for Best Original Soundtrack, Cast or Show Album.[4]
Cast
[edit]- Mia Wasikowskaas Abby Jackson
- Ilsa Fogg as teenage Abby
- Ariel Donoghueas young Abby
- Radha Mitchellas Dora Jackson
- Liz Alexander as older Dora
- Clarence Ryanas Briggs
- Pedrea Jackson as teenage Briggs
- Erik Thomsonas Costello
- Eddie Barooas Merv
- Eric Banaas "Mad" Macka
- Albert Mwangi as Gitundu
- Dalip Sondhi as Mr. Carlisle
- Nick Paranamos as Macka's son
Production
[edit]In February 2021, a film adaptation ofBluebackbyTim Wintonwas announced to be moving forward, withRobert Connollyannounced to be directing, after years of development.Mia Wasikowska,Eric BanaandRadha Mitchellwere set to star in the film, with Bana reteaming with Connolly after the Australian success ofThe Dry.[5][1]The film was packaged and pitched for distributors in the film market at the71st Berlin International Film Festival.[6]
The film officially beganprincipal photographyon 22 March 2021, inWestern Australia.[7]
Release
[edit]Bluebackhad its world premiere at the2022 Toronto International Film Festivalon 10 September 2022.[3]It was theatrically released in Australia byRoadshow Filmson 1 January 2023.
Its Australian premiere occurred on 21 November 2022 at the opening of the Somerville Film festival in collaboration with the 2023 Perth Festival.
The film is released onDVDandBlu-raybyRoadshow Entertainmenton 29 March, 2023.
Reception
[edit]On thereview aggregatorwebsiteRotten Tomatoes,the film has an approval rating of 72% based on 43 reviews, with an average rating of 6/10. The website's consensus reads, "While it may be narratively slight and somewhat preachy,Bluebackis a beautifully filmed family drama with an ecologically conscious message. "[8]OnMetacritic,it has a weighted average score of 59 out of 100 based on 11 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[9]
The soundtrack was nominated for Best Independent Classical Album or EP at the 2023AIR Awards.[10]
References
[edit]- ^abGrater, Tom (15 February 2021)."Mia Wasikowska, Radha Mitchell & Eric Bana Starring In Family Pic 'Blueback'".Deadline Hollywood.Retrieved15 February2021.
- ^Jackie Keast,"Robert Connolly’s ‘Blueback’ selected for Toronto".IF Magazine,29 July 2022.
- ^ab"Blueback".TIFF.Retrieved24 August2022.
- ^"Nominees Announced for 2023 ARIA Awards".Music Feeds.21 September 2023.Retrieved24 September2023.
- ^Patrick Frater,"Robert Connolly and Eric Bana Reteam on Eco-Fable ‘Blueback’".Variety,February 15, 2021.
- ^Roxborough, Scott (26 February 2021)."Berlin Hot List: Daisy Ridley Starrer, Art House Darlings Among Titles Set to Heat Up the Fest".The Hollywood Reporter.Retrieved26 February2021.
- ^"Blueback - Production Listing".Productionlist.com.1 March 2021.Retrieved1 March2021.
- ^"Blueback".Rotten Tomatoes.Fandango Media.Retrieved21 April2023.
- ^"Blueback Reviews".Metacritic.Fandom, Inc.Retrieved21 April2023.
- ^"Nominees Announced for the Australian Independent Music Awards 2023".Music Feeds.31 May 2023.Retrieved31 May2023.