Unfinished Business (Bob Ellis, 1986) wr. Bob Ellis, prod. Rebel Penfold-Russell, for Unfinished Business Productions, Lipsync Productions, dp Andrew Lesnie, design Jane Jonson, music Norman Kaye, ed. Amanda Robson; Michele Fawdon, John Clayton, Norman Kaye, Jack Ellis, Tom and Jennie Ellis, Katie Hughes, Andrew Lesnie, Call Ricketson, Bob Ellis; comedy; colour, 16 mm, 75 min.
It was only in 2012 that I saw for the first time Bob Ellis's 1985 Unfinished Business. For some reason, the only copy I could get hold of was off a videotape with Portuguese subtitles! And inaccurate they are too! We need this little film on DVD. I don't see John Clayton as having been quite as good as Bob thinks, but Michele Fawdon was worthy of her AFI nom. And that's about it. It's pretty much a two-hander, tho it's always good to see Norman Kaye – and hear him playing on the soundtrack!
Under the circumstancs [of production], it is a miracle that the film works as well as it does. Ellis is convinced that his casting choices were all-important. ... [it] is filled with humour and optimism. ... Despite its obvious entertainment value, the film had the most limited exposure, reinforcing Bill Bennett's comments ... about the uphill battle facing the modestly budgeted film. Stratton: 108, 109.
Garry Gillard | New: 19 October, 2012 | Now: 29 June, 2020