Last Train to Freo

One film that I didn't even know existed until recently was Jeremy Sims' Last Train to Freo. I thought I'd just copy and paste this outline I got in my FilmInk e-mail to get the word out. Apparently it's pretty good, although the poster does use a quote that says "knuckle-biting" so I'm not sure what to make of that. I'll be seeing it in the next few weeks as part of the AFI Festival of Film.

"”I always approached the acting process like a director. There are plenty of disgruntled theatre and film directors out there who have tried to get me to shut up and behave like an actor. I’ve always had an eye for the big picture, and on how the whole thing is put together. I think that directing actors is, obviously, going to be one of my strengths, but I would say my experience telling stories in the theatre has had greater influence on how I choose to direct a film than my acting background has. I have directed for the theatre for ten years, so that is really the background I bring to the project.” Jeremy Sims, Last Train to Freo director.

Last Train to Freo is the directorial debut of renowned actor/theatre director Jeremy Sims, who has appeared in a wide range of TV and film projects, lighting up everything from Chances and Police Rescue to Idiot Box and Ned. But on evidence of his daring debut alone, Sims’ real place may be behind the camera. Adapted from the stage play by Reg Cribb, the film is told in real time over 85 minutes, and uses just one claustrophobic location: a clattering, rickety train on it’s way to Perth. Two ex-cons (Tom Budge, Steve Le Marquand) are killing time on the train until a beautiful young law student (Gigi Edgley) steps into the carriage, alone, and seemingly unaware that the guards are on strike. Intrigued by her bravado, the men use their off-beat charm to compete for her attention. But there’s more to this young woman than meets the eye, and when two other passengers (Glenn Hazeldine, Gillian Jones) join the train further down the line, the balance of power takes an unexpected twist.

Tense, claustrophobic, beautifully performed and floating on an undercurrent of rich social commentary, Last Train to Freo marks Jeremy Sims as the latest Australian director to watch."

I love that they mentioned Chances and Ned. Cause, wtf?