Review of The Dressmaker (2015) by Nicholas E — 26 Feb 2016

Apart from the fabulous costumes and splendid cinematography, this tiresomely long confused mess of a film is an embarrassment to the Australian film industry. Director Jocelyn Moorhouse has obviously encouraged her terrific cast to play to a style more suited to a keystone cops two reeler.

I never thought I'd say this, but Judy Davis, probably my favourite Australian actress if all time overplays to the hilt. It's sad and excruciating to watch. Hugo Weaving and Alyson White are about the only two to avoid such excesses.

Winslett and Liam Hemsworth have some chemistry. There are some scenes that work but the slapstick feel of the general style fail spectacularly. Pity. If they'd all just calmed down a bit it might have been a really fine film.