Perspectives

To Critique, Inform, Challenge and Entertain

Author: Daniel Stepniak

FILM REVIEWS

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‘I’m thinking of ending things’ – A ‘Claytons’ Film Review

Reading Time: 2 minutesIt would be misleading and an injustice to the film to simply describe it as telling the story of a couple visiting his parents for the first time, while she contemplates leaving him. Yet this aspect of the film is smattered with complex ideas and literary references. Even this ends up being the light layer of the film. The film’s story is also told through scenes of modern dance, drama, music and switches in time and even identity of characters I recommend this complex and superbly acted film as a positively challenging audio visual experience.

CURRENT ISSUES / OPINION

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GERONTICIDE IN THE AGE OF COVID-19

Reading Time: 9 minutesFormer Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott proposes that we allow elderly Covid-19 patients to die for the sake of a speedier economic recovery. Reviewing alternative responses to the pandemic reveals underlying philosophies and values.

Gulf News 1 March 2019

CURRENT ISSUES / LEGAL MATTERS / RELIGION

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If Pell Wins Special Leave to Appeal, The High Court Is Highly Unlikely to Rule on His Guilt.

Reading Time: 2 minutesIt is possible that the High Court will grant Pell special leave to appeal. Such an appeal would provide the Court with an opportunity to rule on the law relating to appeals of jury verdicts in trials such as Pell’s. But, Pell’s guilty verdict, I suggest, is most likely to stand.

SMALL SCREEN REVIEWS

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Deep State: Corruption and spin in the war-on-terror

Reading Time: 2 minutesDeep State is an action packed, in-the-field, espionage drama. Currently there are two series. The main theme of both series is the exposure of corporate fraud and manipulation of US military policy and ventures.The settings are exotic, and the story is action-packed. But above all, the portrayal of the deep state in the context of the ‘war on terror’ is very powerful and convincing.

FILM REVIEWS

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Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: Tarantino’s Swansong

Reading Time: 2 minutesAs the film’s name suggests, it recounts a tale set in 1969 Hollywood. For his last feature film, Tarantino has cast actors of the highest calibre. Anticipation and dread of the historically violent ending of the story, builds up ithroughout the film. Tarantino does not disappoint, delivering extreme violence, but on his terms. Whether you love it or not, you’re unlikely to regret seeing it.

SMALL SCREEN REVIEWS

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Bullets

Reading Time: 2 minutesThis Scandinavian noir series tells the story of a Chechen suicide bombing mastermind, who had been thought to be dead, but resurfaces seeking asylum in Finland. The central figures are personally troubled members of the secret service and police force. This series delivers ample believable and entertaining bleak tension and suspense. The ever present tension and non stop developments make this a perfect series to binge-watch.

FILM REVIEWS

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Palm Beach

Reading Time: 3 minutesBoasting a stellar Australian cast, Palm Beach is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining film with a distinctly Australian, but not cliched, character.

It is the story of a reunion of old friends flown in to Palm Beach to celebrate a birthday.

The uncontrived dialogue and dry laconic sense of humour allows the script to entertain while dealing with often real and confronting issues.