Last Train to Freo (2006) Reviews

• What a train ride

  paulmartin-22006-09-01

  This was an interesting film with some unusual elements. It's a story in real time and it has some real tension to it. I thought the characters were going to be caricatures, but was pleasantly surprised to find that mostly they were authentic. The film is based on a play, and at times this seemed evident (particularly the weaknesses). But because the story was original and different, it had a freshness and vitality to it. There were some minor contrivances and implausibilities in the first hour that I could easily overlook because of the strength of the performances and the genuine tension. The setting within an all but deserted train carriage was claustrophobic and chilling. For me, the film took a turn for the worse after an hour, that lead to aspects that just didn't ring true. Overall, it was a job well done by Jeremy Sims as first-time director, and worth seeing in one of the best years in Australian cinema for a very long time. There's been a great diversity of interesting stories. From the actors, I found the performances of Steve Le Marquand, Tom Budge and Gillian Jones the strongest. Gigi Edgeley was good but not consistent (perhaps that's the fault of the script). On a final note, for the life of me, I can't understand the Office of Film and Literature Classification's "MA" (equivalent to "R" in the US) on this film. Yes, there is a little violence and coarse language – but with the Hollywood shoot-em-ups that get through on an "M" rating, I can't see why this shouldn't also.

• great little film

  SamuelHW2007-01-07

  I saw this film the other day on a Qantas flight back to London from Sydney. If anyone has ever done the flight then you'll know how tedious it is, but I decided to explore some of the more obscure films that were provided and was rewarded with this little gem. Featuring only five characters and very little action, it manages to keep you hooked through great dialogue and interesting characters which are well acted. In fact, it is reminiscent of a Harold Pinter or Samuel Beckett play, bearing more than a few resemblances to "Waiting For Godot" and the like. It creates tension and keeps you guessing throughout through character development and conversation, rather than showy special effects and cheap thrills. At times it drags, but this is a minor flaw and overall it's well worth checking out, proving that there's more to Australian media than Neighbours and Home And Away. Good stuff

• one surprising film

  nobbytatoes2006-09-15

  Last Train to Freo is one of the most interesting Australian films of the year. Stripped to basics with minimal cast and only one location of the train carriage, taking our two protagonists Steve and Trev, and three strangers from Perth to Freemantle. Starting off just as a two hander with Steve and Trev, conversation is minimal and ultimately doesn't grab your attention. It's all small talk between friends, yet insight does start to unfold. Steve holds himself as an omnipotent "bogan", constantly referring to himself as 'complex and multifaceted'. Steve also holds himself as protector to Trev, a drug addict. Trev is the down trodden no-hoper, sticking to Steve through constant abuse. As time ticks by, when the story already looks stretched beyond limits, our first stranger boards the train, and everything changes. Last Train to Freo is a great character study on the interaction between strangers. It has become a modern trend that people in situations like the train, kept to their own and turn the blind eye. Writer Reg Cribb, adapting his own stage play, shows that everyone has a story, you've just got to ask; though we people rather worry about their on skin. Steve likes to explore other people's lives, his attempt at cutting down the stereotype society labels him, yet him brashness and vulgar ways at times gives you affirmation to keep to yourself. Even for its short running time, Last Train to Freo does suffer from a very slow burn. When starting off with Steve and Trev, you wonder where is this going and how can this last. When other characters start being inducted, plot twist unfold and slowly evolves into a gripping thriller. The tension builds upon itself to unbelievable levels, by the end the grip is unbearable. Probably the downfall of the plot twists are they don't completely hold true, and only there too keep the film moving forward. Though this is easily forgiven from the great tension and strong performance. Steve Le Marquand and Tom Budge are amazing and the strongest of the cast. Steve perfectly captures that omnipotent personality of Steve and evokes it well. Gigi Edgley, Glenn Hazeldine are great, and Gillian Jones is quite a stunner as Maureen. For it's basic concept, Last Train to Freo is one film that comes as quite a surprising film.

• Strange how observation transforms into introspection.

  diane-342006-10-05

  Diane and I watched this extraordinary film in Freo yesterday not far from where it reached its quiet conclusion. We were both completely absorbed in this filmed stage play meaning that the action was completed totally within the confines of a suburban train traveling through Perth from one end to another. Boring you might say and it could have easily been in the hands of less superb actors working with a far less substantial script. I have rarely seen film that sustains visceral tension for its entire length: Pacino's Scarface did it but the overall result in my opinion was less tense than director Sims managed to sustain in this beauty. Again, in my opinion, the credit must be shared between Sims and the lead actor Steve Le Marquand. I can not say enough about Marquand's extraordinary performance. To be able to maintain a palpable sense of fear for the length of the entire movie is difficult and by so doing catapults the actor into a new realm of acting ability. Marquand had that acting ability to, in one instant act as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth and an instant later literally frighten the observer into believing that his actions include any possibility-scary stuff. The secondary roles must be mentioned because as all artists know the canvas is nearly as important as the paint and the roles that Marquand played off could not have been better. They contributed through their own excellent acting to a canvas upon which this marvelous film could be painted. Make every effort to see this gem-you will be amply rewarded.

• Drama/Thriller Builds to a Crescendo

  Samualt2007-04-16

  I wasn't sure what to expect and originally watched this movie because I like just about anything with Gigi Edgley in it. I wasn't disappointed at all. This movie starts out in what seems a slow and sluggish way but the eventual twists and turns make it all worthwhile. It was an excellent character study piece. It really isn't a movie for the younger crowd because of the adult situations. But then, I guess compared to HollyWould movies this is rather tame. It is just that the acting and situations build to a crescendo towards the end and present the subject matter in a very visceral way. It will have you on the edge of your seat towards the end. The casting couldn't have been better, the acting was great, and the direction was excellent. It is a drama/thriller extraordinaire.