Dangerous Remedy (2012) Reviews

• Gripping and Inspirational

  mpm19582012-11-04

  Every moment of this short film kept me riveted. At first, I was nervous that it might try to deal with too many issues and sub-plots but my fears were completely unfounded. It was beautifully scripted and the actors played their parts confidently and convincingly. Sets and costumes were authentic and the musical score worked beautifully to support every scene. For about 105 minutes, I was taken back to Melbourne in 1969, when archaic laws dictated that a pregnant woman didn't have the right to choose what happened to her and when corrupt Police not only turned a blind eye to backyard abortionists but actually encouraged them...for a fee. The film reminded me that our society needs people like Bertram Wainer, who have the courage to speak out, regardless of the cost to themselves, when others are too scared.

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• Grippping story let down by clunky script

  sshan52012-11-04

  This is a powerful piece of film making on a very important story which could have been great. Unfortunately, it falls into the trap that seems to be a bit of a pitfall for many dramatisations of real events - the dialogue is overused for exposition. One can only assume that this sometimes makes realistic delivery of the scripted lines too much for actors and director alike. It also tends towards hagiography in drawing Dr Wainer's character, despite making a few lacklustre attempts to paint him as flawed. These quibbles aside, the acting is mostly very strong, particularly Susie Porter and William McInnes, and the overall pacing and direction is first rate. It's a story that should be told, and you walk away from this film exhausted by the gripping tension that has been created.

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• Hard viewing.

  philipfhayes2018-10-28

  I can be one of those people to sit and watch a TV movie like this but it got the best of me 15 minutes in.

• Disappointing

  Greg%2017-04-23

  This story is very important and should be told. Loudly and clearly. Unfortunately this film stumbles over its own feet in a directorial 'artistic' rush that detracts greatly from the narrative thrust. Clarity is lost when the viewer sees 'production' and not the story. Quite often I was wondering why the director had put plants or beads or planks of wood (twice) in front of the action rather than being enthralled with the story. Much of the dialogue is stilted towards shallow melodrama rather than simply (engagingly) moving the story forward. The actors are all very (very!) good at their craft and its sad to see them have to work with a script and director that make them awkwardly overact. Tell it simply Tell it true. This film fails to do so.

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