Simon Lyndon Movies

This Australian drama is based on the life and times of Mark "Chopper" Read, a notorious Aussie criminal who went on to become a best-selling author, publishing nine books about his exploits outside the law. In 1978, Chopper (played by Eric Bana) is serving a 16-year sentence for abducting a judge who was overseeing the trial of his best friend Jimmy (Simon Lyndon). Jimmy and Chopper end up sharing a cell, along with Keithy George (David Field), a crime boss; when a disagreement between Keithy and Chopper escalates into violence, Chopper kills Keithy, leading to retribution from the gangster's mates, who hire Jimmy to do their dirty work. To escape, Chopper forces a friend to cut off one of his ears so he'll be transferred to another prison. Eight years later, Chopper is out of prison and looking for Jimmy in hopes of getting revenge; in the meantime, he's looking to get even with another of his enemies, Neville (Vince Colosimo), and trying to keep his eye on his girlfriend, Tanya (Kate Beahan), who supports herself as a call girl. While the real "Chopper" Read was not directly involved in the production, comic Eric Bana was cast in the lead at Read's suggestion. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Fresh Air, which focuses on ordinary moments of everyday life, is an original hybrid of urban comedy and kitchen-sink drama. It is also a realistic depiction of relationships among lovers, friends, and family in the multi-cultural environment of a big city. The protagonists are three thirty-something housemates with artistic aspirations. They have no career, no children, and no substantial income, but they enjoy life. The question is: for how long? Jack is a third-rate filmmaker who has just lost his job, but he does not care because he never enjoyed it anyway. He dreams of being a hero: a fireman, a football player, or perhaps a guitarist in a rock band. He loves racing through town on his motorcycle. On the other hand, his girlfriend Kit is a conscientious pedestrian and an enthusiastic user of public transport. Kit plays the accordion and works part-time in an Asian deli to pay for her painting. Jack and Kit share their house with Kit's best friend E., a part-time student and musician without a job or a band. Director Neil Mansfield, who took six years to write the film, takes a humorous yet sympathetic approach to the dreams, doubts, and pleasures of the so-called Generation X. The use of jump cuts, photographs, and film fragments gives the film the structure of a collage. Fresh Air had its world premiere at the 1999 International Film Festival in Rotterdam. ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, All Movie Guide

The title of this Australian drama refers to the mating of butterflies. Shot on video and then transferred to 35mm film, the movie takes a look at life and love among the surfing set at Bondi Beach, the beach closest to Sydney and a popular mecca during the summer. Depicting Bondi's wet-and-wild lifestyles, the camera also goes into the water for spectacular surfing footage. Producer-director Lee Rogers co-scripted and also stars as Lee, who announces his plans to marry girlfriend Jo (Alana Ross), but he has no problem getting it on with old flame Roxanne (Kate Fischer). Meanwhile, Lee is thrown into a double-standard quandary upon hearing that pal Phil (Phil Ceberano) partied with Jo, so Lee gets advice from Jenna (Kate Ceberano). Australian pop vocalist Kate Ceberano is the real-life wife of Lee Rogers, and her song "Living With Lies" is part of the soundtrack. Shown at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide