My immediate family doesn't get together very often. There are so many reasons for this, most of them based in our sheer inadequacies to operate as a cohesive family unit.
This could be blamed on one or more individuals, but at the end of the day each of us have played our parts and as a result we have learned the fine art of avoidance and self preservation when it comes to family 'get togethers' - especially when faced with the glaring ugliness of previous family events.
So, it was with great trepidation that I re-entered back into the Twilight Zone/ Fresh Hell, that is basically all of us kin in one room together. Just the sound of it makes me feel uneasy and slightly twitchy. We don't often fare well at these events, as they have been known to serve as a platform for anyone to air their displeasure, point out the shortcomings and disappointments of others or raise some God forsaken skeleton from the closet to throw in someone else's face. GOOD TIMES!
Well, this Sunday's little soiree was not the case. Everyone put on their most civilized faces, stayed sober and put their petty differences aside for four entire hours to talk about menial things and play happy families. Well done family, only 40 plus years in the making and we finally did it. No-one cried or ranted, no-one left feeling devalued or put upon and most importantly there was no more damage added to our already insurmountable amount of issues. Hoorah! Big up yourselves, a first for all things indeed.
It's far too early to bust out the champagne just yet, but it is progress. And I am all in favour of progress when it comes to my family, I will take progress and rejoice in it because it is more than we have had for a very long while. Baby steps people......baby steps.
This could be blamed on one or more individuals, but at the end of the day each of us have played our parts and as a result we have learned the fine art of avoidance and self preservation when it comes to family 'get togethers' - especially when faced with the glaring ugliness of previous family events.
So, it was with great trepidation that I re-entered back into the Twilight Zone/ Fresh Hell, that is basically all of us kin in one room together. Just the sound of it makes me feel uneasy and slightly twitchy. We don't often fare well at these events, as they have been known to serve as a platform for anyone to air their displeasure, point out the shortcomings and disappointments of others or raise some God forsaken skeleton from the closet to throw in someone else's face. GOOD TIMES!
Well, this Sunday's little soiree was not the case. Everyone put on their most civilized faces, stayed sober and put their petty differences aside for four entire hours to talk about menial things and play happy families. Well done family, only 40 plus years in the making and we finally did it. No-one cried or ranted, no-one left feeling devalued or put upon and most importantly there was no more damage added to our already insurmountable amount of issues. Hoorah! Big up yourselves, a first for all things indeed.
It's far too early to bust out the champagne just yet, but it is progress. And I am all in favour of progress when it comes to my family, I will take progress and rejoice in it because it is more than we have had for a very long while. Baby steps people......baby steps.
BEAUTIFUL KATE
Release Date: 2009
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 90 mins
There aren't a lot of movies that have families this screwed up in them, but Beautiful Kate certainly does. If you're looking for a feel good movie, then don't look here. This is not uplifting, but it is powerful and engaging drama.
Writer Ned Kendall (Ben Mendelsohn) returns to his remote family home in South Australia's Flinders Ranges to say goodbye to his dying father. Ned is re-united with his estranged twin sister Kate (Sophie Lowe) and long buried memories of the past re-surface and demand attention.
Bryan Brown and Rachel Griffiths round out a talented cast that deliver strong and convincing performances. Tex Perkins' soundtrack adds perfectly to the story and the overall impact is haunting and emotional.
FINAL SAY: You can't hide from your past.
3.5 Chili Peppers
Release Date: 2009
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 90 mins
There aren't a lot of movies that have families this screwed up in them, but Beautiful Kate certainly does. If you're looking for a feel good movie, then don't look here. This is not uplifting, but it is powerful and engaging drama.
Writer Ned Kendall (Ben Mendelsohn) returns to his remote family home in South Australia's Flinders Ranges to say goodbye to his dying father. Ned is re-united with his estranged twin sister Kate (Sophie Lowe) and long buried memories of the past re-surface and demand attention.
Bryan Brown and Rachel Griffiths round out a talented cast that deliver strong and convincing performances. Tex Perkins' soundtrack adds perfectly to the story and the overall impact is haunting and emotional.
FINAL SAY: You can't hide from your past.
3.5 Chili Peppers
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