Mullet (film)

Plot summary

In the film, Eddie (Ben Mendelsohn) returns to his home town on the south coast of New South Wales. Having left for the city without explanation 3 years ago, he tries to pick up the pieces of his life and fit back into the lives of those he left, including his ex-girlfriend Tully (Susie Porter) and brother Pete (Andrew Gilbert). The title of the film comes from Eddie's nickname and from his attempts to make a living poaching mullet.

The film succeeds in a very human portrayal of the difficulties in living on the fringe of a close-knit community. The drama of the developing relationships is supported by very dry comedy (archetypical Australian humour) and detailed but understated design.

Production

The film was based on a short story written by writer-director David Caesar. Caesar and Producer Vincent Sheehan stated that the budget for the film was approximately A$1 million. The film was shot in its entirety in the town of Kiama over four weeks in June 2000. Originally, Sheehan had intended to shoot interiors in Sydney, but found the cost of doing so was prohibitive within the film's budget. Production benefitted from the involvement of the local residents and the community, including the Kiama Knights rugby league club and cameo performances by Mick Cronin and Steve Starling, both well known Australian television personalities. While shooting was undertaken on a tight schedule, in it was eight years from first concept to completion.

Total box office has been reported as A$1,157,161.

Awards and nominations

AFI Awards, 2001

Australian Screen Sound Guild, 2001

Australian Writers' Guild, 2001

Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards, 2001

Shanghai International Film Festival, 2001

Box office

Mullet grossed $1,165,606 at the box office in Australia.