Strange Bedfellows
Paul Hogan, Michael Caton, Pete Postlethwaite, Glynn Nicholas
Strange Bedfellows will be marketed to the over-40s Aussie who thinks calling people "poofs" is exceptionally funny and that no gay people exist outside of Sydney’s gay club scene — even the local guy the locals think is a total "homo" is really shagging every woman in sight! I didn’t expect much from Paul Hogan, but you’d think Michael Caton and Pete Postlethwaite would have known better than to sign up for this crap film!
The background story is that Vince (Paul Hogan) finds that his dire taxation problems can be solved if he is able to claim that he is in a long-term same-sex relationship. The government are apparently allowing this because they want more votes in the next election — not being as cynical about government as this, I’d like to think that sometimes there are rules passed by the government that are based on providing a more equitable system for all of Australia’s citizens rather than just vote begging — but maybe that’s just me.
To get this little scheme off the ground Vince gets his best mate (played by Michael Caton) to agree to be his same-sex partner on paper. Unfortunately the ATO inform them that they will be investigated before their claim can be processed. Pete Postlethwaite (Brassed Off) makes a cameo appearance as the inspector.
I want to make it clear that I went into this film thinking that it could be an hilarious romp about country folk coming to terms with taboo subjects and learning that this world is full of all sorts of people who are decent and worthy of respect. Often this kind of film begins with every stereotype under the sun being dragged out, and then redeems itself when the main characters begin to understand that there is more to the issue than stereotypes. Usually this comes with some revelation at the end.
Bedfellows sorely disappointed me on all counts. There is a revelation, but it’s about mateship rather than tolerance or sexuality. Even the final reveal does nothing to help this film out of the total cringe category that it belongs in — it may even imply that if you are gay you only become this way once you move to Sydney! The townsfolk still think "poofs" (sic) are mincing hairdressers or drag queens and who should probably be marginalised or allowed out to the local dance so that everyone can stare at them and have a bit of a laugh.
Just one more thing that should be mentioned about why this is a ridiculously bad film — there appear to be themes that were begun and never explored, for instance, the startling appearance of the Australia Post Man and his strange behaviour towards the local corner shop owner. You get the impression that the film makers had a whole other story going on that just made the film too long, so they cut it without cutting out all of the references. This is poor filmmaking in my opinion.
Is there anything good about this film? Maybe, but I sure didn’t see it.
Esther
