Review of Burning Man (2011) by Karen D — 29 Feb 2012

Is about defining a man through his actions. Tom (Matthew Goode) is the man, and his actions move around in time in the film's zigzagging narrative. It's invigorating to watch, because Tom is in essence a puzzle.

Just as in real life, a person you met can be defined by the moment you first met them in. With Tom he is utterly unlikable in the beginning - he's angry, vulgar and masturbates over a prostitute.

But also he is an English Chef of a restaurant on Bondi Beach and a father to eight-year-old Oscar (Jack Heanly). Still the brilliance of Burning Man is about the emotional reveal of the character. Tom is a fascinating, multifaceted character and the realization of the tragedy that turned his life upside down it is wonderfully satisfying.