Lust and Revenge (1996) User Reviews

interesting

[voland64 · 7/10 · 7 May 2003]

This is quite good attempt to investigate the world of sculpture and art as a whole. That does not at all mean that the film is overly artsy. It succeeds in being fairly complex and intelligent without pretentiousness. In fact, it is a satire, also on some other social issues like new-age-type cults or psychotherapy. Includes some interesting characters. Leaves you with a bitter-sweet aftertaste. 8/10

Backbite at art

[gcd70 · 7/10 · 13 March 2010]

Paul Cox's backbite at the world of film, and art in particular, is a cleverly crafted satire that will have you gaping, and in fits of laughter. Cox, with co-writer John Clarke, has a direct go at the "nude art is not pornography" myth, among many others. I am sure he had a broader target in mind too.

The cast do a marvellous job milking the sharp script. Nicholas Hope and Gosia Dobrowska are good as the couple torn by her strange belief and his new "job". Even better are Chris Haywood as a rich "art lover" and Claudia Karvan as his daughter, a spoilt, lonely girl longing for male companionship. Special mention also to Norman Kaye as religious guru Baba Charles.

Cox is always in control, never allowing his film to slip into being a mere sexual satire. Power-mongering, greed, manipulation and religious fraud also get the once over. It's great to see such intelligent cinema coming from Australia.

Monday, November 16, 1998 - Hoyts Croydon