Review of Lantana (2001) by Lady D — 08 Sep 2010
The secrets we keep in our hearts can carry a big weight with those who love us. To hide something is to turn away, and hidden emotions are what nurture the lives clustered around this story. Emotional truth or consequences.
The lantana is an Australian flower with tiny flowrets. The people in Lanata are individuals clustered around a main focus. This film is a thriller and a detective story in location only. The real story is the drama of deception and the heartache and struggle to become true.
Becoming true is the outcome of all growth. The story is a multi-plot in the tradition of Magnolia, coming after Magnolia but before Crash. The three films are a distinct match in this way. Lantana is the most subdued of the three, and in some areas the more subtle, but also in some areas the themes are more close to home for the average person.
In this respect it's a decidedly Australian film, about real people, instead of a somewhat larger-than-life American-style film where the people and dramas are extreme. We found it satisfying and thoughtful and well worth the journey.
The end revealed it was based on a stage play and there is a play-like feeling to it. It is perhaps not as cinematic as some films in that respect, relying heavily on dialogue and scenes with less in the way of camera narrative, but the story is highly compelling and the acting a pleasure.
A real treat to see Barbara Hershey. Lots of layers in the strong writing in this strong film.
This review of Lantana (2001) was written by Lady D on 08 Sep 2010.
Lantana has generally received very positive reviews.
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