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In the grand style of "Gone with the wind", Baz Luhrman's "Australia" burst onto the screen last night at the Summergarden Cinema, Bowen. The assembled group included locals, tourists, movie extra's and support staff at this gala affair organised by Philip Larsson of Airlie Beach. The Larsson family feature as extras in the movie and have enthusiastically embraced the experience and the "Bowen component" with most of the 1940's Darwin scenes shot in the small town.
The movie itself is rich in grand Australian scenes, men on horseback, the odd kangaroo and the unmistakable scenery from the top end. In front of this backdrop a deeply romantic story unfolds, while entwined in World War II drama, Indigenous culture and the stolen generation. One could question the complexity of the multiple themes and the necessity of the two and a half hour run time. Alternatively you can sit back, relax with the popcorn and be absorbed by the story, the character portrayal by Jack, Nicole and balance of cast in an epic tale that should have every Australian content with the capabilities of the Australia movie industry and our leading talents. It will be meanwhile interesting to see how the International movie going community flock to this movie event in a time of cinematic challenge for continuous drama and high body counts.
ChannelWhitsunday.com attended the event, bringing members of the cast with us. Played by our very own Joey Pearce, "The Drover" made an appearance for photo opps and a bit of chat... his authentic 3 day growth the result of chance rather than careful planning. On the set also where two Nicole Kidmans... Sounding strangely German, our two lasses Laura and Alina where attired through the efforts of Jennie McDermott at "The Costume Shoppe" for a very accurate representation of Nicole's on screen character.
Save one overly enthusiastic lass who had it in for our photographer, the night was a great success and a great celebration of a fine movie, with the Summergarden Cinema, Bowen an idealic venue for a true celebration of Australia. Congratulations to all who were involved.
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