Blame (2010 film)

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Blame
Blame2010Poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMichael Henry
Written byMichael Henry
Produced byRyan Hodgson
Melissa Kelly
Michael Robinson
Starring Damian De Montemas
Sophie Lowe
Kestie Morassi
Simon Stone
Ashley Zukerman
CinematographyTorstein Dyrting
Edited byMeredith Watson Jeffrey
Music byTamil Rogeon
Production
companies
3monkeyfilms
Factor 30 Films
Release dates
Running time
89 minutes
CountryAustralia
LanguageEnglish

Blame is a 2010 Australian thriller drama film starring Damian De Montemas, Sophie Lowe, Kestie Morassi, Ashley Zukerman, Simon Stone and Mark Leonard Winter. It was directed by first time feature film director, Michael Henry. [1] [2] The film had a limited release in Australia on 16 June 2011.

Contents

Plot

A group of young vigilantes seeking revenge for a sexual betrayal fall far from grace. When the truth is out, they find themselves on the dark side of justice.

It becomes a case study in how people handle themselves in a situation that goes awry. It's an essay in the consequences of ill-considered actions and how people manage themselves in a space they're entirely ill-equipped to handle.

Michael Henry

Music teacher Bernard (Damian De Montemas) is attacked at his home in isolated bushland by five young people masked and dressed in black. The group have just attended the funeral of Cate's (Kestie Morassi) sister Alice (Saskia Hampele), and they've come to kill Bernard, whom they blame for the girl's death as he had an affair with her when she was sixteen, and now, three years later she's taken her own life. Alice's boyfriend, Nick (Simon Stone), is the lead agitator; Alice's best friend, Natalie (Sophie Lowe), has persuaded her boyfriend, Anthony (Ashley Zukerman), to steal sleeping pills from his father's doctors surgery to make it look as though Bernard has committed suicide. It all however goes horribly wrong when their attempt fails and their victim fights for his life.

In the aftermath, questions are raised about the true nature of the events leading up to the botched attack. As lies and secrets are revealed, the dynamic of the once-tight group shifts as the friends begin to question each other's motives. As they move closer to the truth, the weight of their quest for justice drives them to a place of no return.

Cast

Reception

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 58% based on 12 reviews, with an average rating of 5.47/10. [3] The film was screened and received accolades at Cannes Cinephiles, Melbourne International Film Festival, the 35th Toronto International Film Festival, [4] the 47th Chicago International Film Festival, [5] the Dublin International Film Festival and Buenos Aires International Film Festival of Independent Cinema.

Accolades

AwardCategorySubjectResult
ASE Award Best Editing in a Feature FilmMeredith Watson JeffreyNominated
Chicago International Film Festival Honorable Mention - International Film Poster CompetitionThe Penguin EmpireWon
Fancine Film FestivalBest Film Youth JuryMichael HenryWon
Ryan HodgsonWon
Melissa KellyWon
Michael Ormond RobinsonWon
West Australian Screen Awards Best Drama ProductionRyan HodgsonNominated
Melissa KellyNominated
Michael Ormond RobinsonNominated
Best CinematographyTorstein DyrtingWon
Best EditingMeredith Watson JeffreyNominated

Filming locations

Filming occurred in the outer southeastern Perth suburb of Roleystone.

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References

  1. Paatsch, Leigh (16 June 2011). "Film review: Aussie thriller Blame". news.com.au. Archived from the original on 26 June 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2011.
  2. Smith, Ian Hayden (2012). International Film Guide 2012. p. 65. ISBN   978-1908215017.
  3. "Blame (2010)". Rotten Tomatoes . Archived from the original on 10 August 2010. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  4. Bannister, Brooke (9 June 2011). "Perth Hills is the setting for new Australian film 'Blame'". 720 ABC Perth . ABC Local Radio . Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  5. "Perth film Blame premieres following strong international and national response". Ausfilm. 8 June 2011. Archived from the original on 3 July 2011. Retrieved 28 June 2011.