Charlie And Boots Film Analysis

What is it that defines Australia? To some people it may be the things we value, like Vegemite and a good Aussie Beer. To others it is the traits we all seem to possess, like Mateship, the Aussie Battler or Larrikinism. To me these are all aspects of Australia; however, it is not quintessentially Australian products like vegemite and beer that make Australia what it is today, they are merely the things that go hand-in-hand with the true, Australian identity.

Good morning/afternoon panel of the Australian film festival.

The film I have chosen to be considered for the Australian Film Festival is Charlie and Boots, a 2009 Australian film directed by Dean Murphy. I wouldn’t say the film is the best I have ever seen. However, it uniquely depicts the lifestyle of the Australian Larrikin, and due to this portrayal, it should be included in the Australian film festival. Viewers that enjoy a good laugh with a serious undertone will relish in this movie.

The movies starts on their 45th wedding anniversary, Charlie and Grace McFarland, dance lovingly amongst their family and friends. Suddenly, Grace collapses, tragically struck down by a fatal stroke. When “Boots”, Charlie’s youngest son, who he has become largely estranged to in recent years, becomes concerned about the wellbeing of his father. Boots makes a decision to fulfil a childhood promise. To travel 3000 miles to the northern most tip of Australia, to Cape York. Charlie and Boots are the classic, stereotypical Australian: laid-back, crass, bogan looking lads. Though Charlie was reluctant to participate in the journey and despite his best efforts to get away, the trip takes an unexpected turn and the two end up seeing some of the most beautiful locations and landscapes Australia ha...

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...ets off the alarm and alerts the boyfriend to what they are doing. They quickly grab the guitar, and jump back into their Holden Kingswood and speed off with Jess in the back seat waving to her boyfriend and laughing with the two men. This is a true portrayal of the Australian larrikin as they have just done something against the law, but still have the ability to laugh about it.

The film Charlie and Boots is a great portrayal of the Australian trait, larrikinism. This is shown through the characters actions, speech and interactions. The ability of the Australian Larrikin to have a good laugh in spite of what is going on around them is one of the best qualities for an Australian to have. It is through this film that I believe larrikinism has been portrayed perfectly and this is the reason that this film should be included in the 2014 Australian Film Festival.