Three Dollars
Directed by Elliot Perlman.
Dubbed “the epic story of an ordinary man” this movie certainly lives up to it. We start the movie with David Wenham’s character, Eddie, saying “every nine and a half years I see Amanda. This is not a rule. It does not have to happen but it does. Most recently was today. I had three dollars.” We find out that Amanda, (played by Sarah Wynter) is Eddie’s first love from when he was a child; they used to play together all the time, until her father moved her away. I mention Amanda because she is important to the story as she occasionally enters it, but more so for Eddie’s thoughts of her. Eddie is married to Tanya (played by Frances O’Connor) and they have a happy life, that is, until Tanya loses her income from research grants and Eddie decides to make a moral stand on his assessment of some land, which as a chemical and soil engineer, brings about shattering consequences.
In this movie you, as well as Eddie, find out how much life can give and take and how far a little change will get you. From his perfect life to the depths of despair, this movie is a great watch. We see the little things that Eddie does near the beginning of the film which greatly affect the latter part of the movie. This movie is a great mix of serious drama and true-to-life situations, with a good smattering of comedic value. I recommend this movie if you enjoy good true-to-life Australian drama, or you would like a change from the same old American feel-good movies. Definitely worth all ‘Three Dollars.’
Alex Massy-Gartly
