I do think our film industry is lacking an identity about who they are and what they represent, they are trying to create an ‘Australian’ niche but why can’t they just create a brilliant film industry with the brilliant and talented people we have?

I have yet to see Australia, but I do want to go and see it, Nicole will drive me nuts because I can’t stand her as an actor, but I understand what Baz was trying to capture and create and I think that’s something to be amazingly proud of. Although I wish he didn’t call the film Australia.

And apparently the use of ‘crikey’ was the common term of the time even though it is cringe inducing, that was the reality of that time in the language that was used, so are we as Australian’s, embarrassed about our past and that’s why it’s so cringe inducing? We are a country with a Tall Poppy Syndrome and I don’t understand why … we have so many things to be proud of, what is wrong with us? I agree with Sandi, we do need to start being proud and believe in ourselves more.

Thanks for your comments, and for taking the time to read the article. I think everyone has a real sense of frustration with Australia’s cinematic output, especially considering the glimmers of brilliance we occasionally get to see.

Something really needs to be done about the way films are funded. I suppose what we ultimately lack is the kind of big studio system that allows the development of a big talent pool (and a large output which gives the chance to get a few more hits amongst the misses).

I absolutely agree that the apologetic critics, pandering to the ordinairy are a big part of the problem.

I wrote my first blog post on this subject and pondered the idea that compounding the cringe is the reality that I shirk my obligation to see Australian films. Australian critics will pander to local films, almost regardless of the quality, and then blatantly plead with audiences to go and see them. I’m not suggesting Australian films are charity cases, but that seems to be how they’re treated, and I don’t think that goes over so well with the locals.

A friend also made the excellent point that Australian films are “like hearing one’s voice played back on tape”. And who doesn’t cringe at that?!

However I must pass on the advice of a cinephile more well versed in the local industry than I, who recommended the following new Aussie fare: “Men’s Group”, “Bitter & Twisted”, “Three Blind Mice”, “Son of a Lion”, and “All My Friends Are Leaving Brisbane”.

Turns out there is some worthwhile Australian cinema on offer, but perhaps we’ve just stopped paying attention.

As Aussies, we need to support our film makers, but film makers need to start making Aussie films that aren’t so terrible. Just make a film. Forget all the quirky slang and ocker tones – just make a film – a drama, a romantic comedy, a comedy – that anyone can relate to. The only reason we should know it’s Australian is because of the accent the actors have and the country that it’s shot in. Then, maybe, our film industry will start to move forward.

Chris Moran