South Solitary Review

Thursday, September 2, 2010 , Posted by Should I See It at 1:34 AM


Film: South Solitary
Directed By: Shirley Barrett.
Starring: Miranda Otto, Barry Otto, Marton Csokas and Essie Davis.
Plot: A woman accompanies her uncle, a lighthouse inspector, to the Island of South Solitary.
Rating:


This year has seen the release of a number of wonderful Australian films. Unfortunately, South Solitary is not one of them.

Within the first half hour of the film, I found myself wanting the film  to be over (not a good sign). Even though the running time was under two hours, it felt closer to three. South Solitary was incredibly slow paced- and dare I say it (even at the risk of sounding unintelligent)- BORING. I can’t help but think that the material would have been more suited to a short film, at least then it wouldn’t have dragged.

As a viewer, it is frustrating to have characters who don’t learn from their mistakes. It is incredibly difficult to emotionally invest in Meredith, since she seems to have no powers of reasoning or any critical judgement. Meredith is an incredibly weak, incredibly flawed character, who annoys more than intrigues. Part of that has to do with Miranda Otto’s performance. The girly high pitched voice and attempts at wide eyed innocence do not convince, and only add to the frustration towards the character.

Barry Otto as the uncompromising head Lighthouse keeper is the only breath of fresh air in the otherwise stale film.

The resolution of the narrative with the relationship between Meredith and fellow lighthouse keeper, Fleet, feels forced and inorganic.

The scenes where Meredith has to run the lighthouse by herself show potential, but they are over far too quickly to alleviate the monotony of this film.

The beautiful score and beautiful location (shot at Cape Nelson and Cape Otway) can’t make up for the lacklustre script and poor pacing of the film.

South Solitary is a lot like life as a lighthouse keeper: Long and incredibly dull.


Should I See It?

Don’t waste your time!





South Solitary Official Site here.