Handy Cam: New film delivers ripping yarn by Jefferson
We have many fond memories of the movie characters that made our childhood interesting. Jefferson – The Movie has graced our screens to give the new generation a series of memories. The nasal Jefferson vocal sound will either encourage kids to do impressions of his voice, or grow up and be just like him! Darren McErlain reviews the new film produced by rocking film-maker, Cameron Hons.
The opening scene scrolls a narrative similar to Star Wars, then surprises the audience from left-right and centre! You need to watch the movie to find out. With many analogies can be drawn to set the pace for the movie, a simple message comes through the introductory scenes: “Metaphors be with you!”.
The orientation of the film in the opening scene plays on some anachronisms with some props that have ironic elements that belong in the wrong time period. In the new digital age, a widescreen TV and remote is seen in the black and white footage, to show that the filmmakers can have a laugh when filming is underway. Was it accidentally filmed or intentionally left in there? We will never find out….unless we ask Cameron!
Dr Steven Jefferson’s opening monologue for the Funhouse has audiences on edge, as he negotiates on set with his studio drummer. An over-happy drummer extends his welcome with extra drum fills, and deliberately wastes air-time. The importance of good timing as a drummer showed it doesn’t always extend to the timing of a punchline.
The dramatic qualities of the film builds on the current connection that audiences have with his alter ego Cameron, host of Cameron’s Playhouse. The dialogue regarding the ratings leaves the audience gobsmacked when the Funhouse is axed and replaced with Cameron’s Playhouse. The smell of ‘box-office’ success started drifting away from all the producers at that point!
Dr Jefferson goes out of character and hires a hitman to make host Cameron, uncomfortable about continuing with the show. The hitman’s bulging eyes looks like an animation from an old Looney Tunes cartoon. He demonstrates that he can finally follow direction, and this was a great dramatisation directed by Cameron himself.
The conflict between Cameron & Jefferson is carefully orchestrated. The war becomes more intensified when Hons steps out of character, to dissect as asks: “what is happenin'?.” The camera work brings the audience into a virtual world, and feels sadness for all actors concerned – including Cameron….and the other Cameron.
The element of fire plays an important role in the film, as it heats up the conflict in more ways than one. Stefan Goslinga brings suspense to the film as he plays off the chaos and improvised creativity of the Director Cameron Hons.
The use of Sonic the Hedgehog bridges a great juxtaposition between PC gaming and the political point scoring in the real-world. Figurines are used to entice the child-like behaviours in adults to revisit the animation of their own toys. The blowing of a raspberry brings it all home for adults everywhere. Conflict and disappointment in life can sometimes go to “hell in a hand-basket”. Even if you are an executive TV producer!
This is a great Australian-like film with some reflective scenes set in the Aussie backyard. It allowed local audiences to make a connection with the leading protagonists – as actors and fictional characters. The use of background music and jovial clarinets and banjos brings a variety of laughter and melancholy to the audience, at the same time. A remarkable way of getting the audience on side.
Gripping scenes in Queensland bring th audience to their knees as they come to terms with the danger that Jefferson undertakes. The cinematography brings a breathtaking view of the world of a destitute actor. Combined with the background music, it builds a love for the character, and a hate for what has happened. Life can be rocky, and the beach scenes bring that metaphor to the audiences around the world.
The turbulent choppy seas bring suspense for the audience as they wonder if the storm will be calmed, or will Jefferson part the blue sea. The green water and the chaos on the boat bring flashbacks of the Beachcombers from the 70s. It was like the ‘Poseidon Adventure’ meets ‘Crocodile Dundee’, with a touch of Pee Wee Herman and Steve Urkel for good measure.
The twist of replica Playhouse shows makes Cameron realise the lost opportunity of syndicating and copyrighting the soundtrack. The final moments of the movie in the Playground leaves the audience in dismay, and what would happen next? The slow motion scene was like a scene from US film “They Call Me Bruce” meets 80’s British sitcom “Mental Mickey”. You won’t be able to un-see some scenes – but why would you want to? It is way too creative to miss. The final scenes are waiting for you discover.
You can purchase the movie Jefferson on Blue Ray and DVD (85minutes) on the website: https://cameronhons.bandcamp.com/merch It also comes with a disc with bonus features.
