Crackers (1998 film)

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Crackers
Directed byDavid Swann
Written byDavid Swann
Produced byChris Warner
StarringDaniel Kellie
Warren Mitchell
Susan Lyons
Peter Rowsthorn
CinematographyLazlo Baranyai
Edited byKen Sallows
Music byRicky Edwards
Production
company
Sharmill Films
Distributed by Beyond Films
Hollywood Pictures Home Video (VHS)
Release date
  • July 9, 1998 (1998-07-09)(Australia)
Running time
92 minutes
CountryAustralia
LanguageEnglish
Box officeA$1,263,230 (Australia)

Crackers is a 1998 Australian Christmas-themed comedy film directed and written by David Swann. The film stars Daniel Kellie, Susan Lyons, and Peter Rowsthorn, and follows the story of Hilary Dredge (Lyons) and her son Joey (Kellie) as they travel to the suburbs to spend Christmas with Joey's grandparents. They are joined by Hilary's boyfriend Bruno (Rowsthorn) and his son Angus (Christopher Chapman), leading to tensions and rivalries, particularly between Joey and Angus. Crackers was released on July 9, 1998, in Australia by Beyond Films, and grossed over $1.26 million at the box office. [1] [2]

Contents

Plot

During the Christmas holidays, Hilary Dredge (Susan Lyons) and her son, Joey (Daniel Kellie), travel into the suburbs to spend Christmas with Joey's grandparents. Accompanying them on the trip are Hilary's boyfriend Bruno (Peter Rowsthorn) and his son Angus (Christopher Chapman). Joey does not like Bruno because of his relationship with his mother. Joey and Angus have a violent rivalry with each other because of this, as Angus is unimpressed when Joey shows disrespect to his father.

Cast

Production

Crackers was written and directed by David Swann, who had previously gained recognition with his successful short film Bonza. The film was produced by Chris Warner under the production company Sharmill Films. It was shot in Melbourne, Australia, and distributed by Beyond Films. The film's cinematography was handled by Lazlo Baranyai, and it was edited by Ken Sallows. Ricky Edwards composed the music for the film. The film is notable for exploring the clash of personalities and relationships that often arise when families come together during the Christmas holidays. [3]

Reception

Crackers was released in Australia on July 9, 1998, and grossed $1,263,230 at the Australian box office. While it wasn't a major commercial success, it garnered attention for its quirky approach to holiday family conflicts. The film was later re-released on DVD in November 2010, expanding its audience beyond the theater. Despite being relatively modest in terms of box office performance, the film is appreciated by some for its comedic take on the complexities of family relationships and the holiday season. [4]

See also

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References

  1. Fincina Hopgood, "Family Business", Cinema Papers, June 1998 p36-38, 73
  2. "Crackers". imdb. 9 July 1998. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  3. "Interview with David Swann", Signis, 23 June 1998. Accessed 21 November 2012.
  4. Film Victoria - Australian Films at the Australian Box Office Archived 23 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine