As much as we pretend we’re not fond of those loud mouthed larrikin Aussies across the ditch, the truth is we are. When it comes to the entertainment industry, Australia has opened its arms to Kiwis, welcoming our directors, actors and musicians, and providing for some a stepping-stone to United States success.
On the channel this month you can catch the best of Aussie film and TV, and you could win a luxury trip to Australia to see real Australians in their natural environment. For more information, head to the competitions page here on the website.
As much as we pretend we’re not fond of those loud-mouthed larrikin Aussies across the ditch, the truth is we are. When it comes to the entertainment industry, Australia has opened its arms to Kiwis, welcoming our directors, actors and musicians, and providing for some a stepping-stone to United States success.
On the channel this month you can catch the best of Aussie film and TV, and you could win a luxury trip to Australia to see real Australians in their natural environment. For more information, head to the competitions page here on the website.
Here are my highlights of the week.
Starring: Richard Roxburgh, Danielle Cormack, Matt Day
Directed by: Peter Duncan
Screening: Wednesday October 9th, 8.30pm
One of my favourite televisions shows of 2013, Aussie series Rake is back for season 2. This brilliantly written satire about witty, self-destructive and politically incorrect barrister Cleaver Greene (Richard Roxburgh) is hilarious, a little bit naughty and superbly acted. This season’s guest actors include Martin Henderson, Toni Collette and Robyn Malcolm, as various love interests and colourful clients of the chaotic Cleaver Greene. Episode one this week see’s Cleaver Green up to his neck in trouble after being busted having an affair with Claudia Marshall (Toni Collette), the Premier of New South Wales – a transgression that doesn’t make him very popular with the Premier’s husband, Attorney-General and Police Minister, Cal McGregor (Damien Garvey). As if Cleaver Greene didn’t have enough enemies already…
Starring: William S. Burroughs, David Cronenberg, Iggy Pop, Gus Van Sant
Directed by: Yony Leyser
Premiering: Thursday 10th October, 8.30pm
In Yony Leyser’s debut feature film he investigates the life and work of William S. Burroughs, the godfather of the Beat Generation. He spent five years interviewing Burroughs’ friends and academics to piece this documentary together, which debuted at the Slamdance Film Festival in Park City, Utah in 2010. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage of Burroughs, as well as exclusive interviews with colleagues and confidants including John Waters, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, Gus Van Sant, Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, Sonic Youth, Laurie Anderson, and David Cronenberg – this is a must see for those interested in Beat literature.
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman,
Directed by: Declan Donnellan, Nick Ormerod
Premiering: Saturday 12th October, 8.30pm
I’m not a huge Robert Pattinson fan, however I am aware there are a few folks out there that find Mr. Pattinson rather dishy – so this highlight is for you. In this adaptation of Guy de Maupassant’s saucy tale of illicit liaisons in late 19th Century Paris, Pattinson plays Georges Duroy, a destitute young soldier who secures his place in Parisian society by using his brooding good looks and sexy charm to seduce the wives of powerful and wealthy men. Unfortunately Pattinson is more sleazy than sexy, but his more than capable co-stars (and conquests) Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas and Christina Ricci pick up the slack. If you’re after some lighthearted, melodramatic and well-dressed escapism – you’ll find it here.
Conditions apply to Discounted Offer: Only available to SKY direct, domestic subscribers with the Basic Package. Offer not available to subscribers who terminated their Rialto Channel subscription within 30 days of taking up this offer. After the three month promotional period ends Rialto Channel will cost $11.18 per month in addition to your monthly subscription and is subject to SKY's standard terms and conditions. Prices are correct as at 1st July 2013, are payable in advance and subject to change. Offer ends October 31, 2013.