May 12 2006
The Magician
Dir & Writ: Scott Ryan
starring
- Scott Ryan - Ray Shoesmith
- Ben Walker - Tony Rickards
- Massimiliano Andrighetto - Max “Massimo” Totti
- Kane Mason - Benny
- [Nathaniel Lindsay - Edna
This is the story of Ray, who for the right money can make anyone disapear. Although it isn’t magic he uses, not unless you count a count as a wand. He is a hitman, working in Melbourne, and this documentary style film recounts a few of his jobs. The condition imposed on film-maker Max is that he won’t release the film until after Ray’s death.
It is a strange film, but very enjoyable. The style is used to allow Max to question Ray about his actions. To have an outsider looking in wondering can Ray tone down the violence, or how much would he want in order to eat his own shit. Did I forget to mention this is a comedy?
The focus of the film is all on Ray. The rest of the characters are just their to provide him with something to interact with. And Max, the cameraman is never shown un-pixelated on screen, to protect his identity from the police no doubt. And Scott Ryan gives an excellent performance as the almost charming hitman. His sense of timing is perfect and his delivery of the lines is spot-on. Of course he did write and dirct it, so he should know everything about this character, but it is still a wonderful role.
It is almost a buddy road movie, with Ray, Max and a possible target traveling across Australia to locate some money. There is a great discussion about Wayne Carey and whether sleeping with your vice-captain’s wife could ever be regarded as merely a mistake. Probably more likely to turn out to be a cult hit than a blockbuster, if yuo get the chance you should try to catch this film.
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Tags: Australia, Ben Walker, black humour, crime, excellent film, hitman, Kane Mason, Massimiliano Andrighetto, mockumentary, murderer, Nathaniel Lindsay, Scott Ryan, The Magician