Holy Smoke (1999)

Director:

Jane Campion

Writers:

Anna Campion (written by) &
Jane Campion (written by)

Release Date:

22 February 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Comedy

Tagline:

Sex captive in desert hideaway...young beauty seduced by macho American twice her age.

Plot:

While on a journey of discovery in exotic India, beautiful young Ruth Barron falls under the influence of a charismatic religious guru...

Plot Keywords:

Cult | India | Guru | Lesbian Kiss | Urine

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Kate Winslet	...	Ruth
Harvey Keitel	...	PJ Waters
Julie Hamilton	...	Mum
Sophie Lee	...	Yvonne
Daniel Wyllie	...	Robbie (as Dan Wyllie)
Paul Goddard	...	Tim
Tim Robertson	...	Dad
George Mangos	...	Yani
Kerry Walker	...	Puss
Les Dayman	...	Bill-Bill (as Leslie Dayman)
Samantha Murray	...	Prue
Sandy Gutman	...	Stan (as Austen Tayshus)
Simon Anderson	...	Fabio
Pam Grier	...	Carol
Eva Martin	...	Devotee

Also Known As:

Holy Smoke! (USA) (video box title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexuality and language.

Runtime:

115 min

Country:

USA | Australia

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:R21 | Germany:12 | USA:R (cut) | Iceland:12 (video rating) | Iceland:L | Singapore:R21 (re-rating) | Netherlands:16 (DVD rating) (video rating) | Netherlands:6 (re-rating) | Taiwan:R-18 | Argentina:16 | Australia:MA | Canada:R | Chile:18 | Finland:K-14 | France:U | Hong Kong:III | Japan:R-18 | New Zealand:R16 | Norway:15 | Singapore:R(A) | Spain:18 | Sweden:15 | Switzerland:16 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Vaud) | UK:18 | Philippines:R-18

Filming Locations:

Flinders Ranges, South Australia, Australia

Company:

India Take One Productions

Trivia:

On a fellow actor's advice, Kate Winslet drank 3 vodka-and-tonics for a scene involving her being drunk.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: As the pickup truck with Ruth and PJ pulls away near the end of the film, the camera rig and crane are reflected in the truck's rear window.

Quotes:

PJ: I don't hate women. I love ladies.
Ruth Barron: Ha! Ladies! You wouldn't know any. I bet you date little Barbie dolls, don't you? "Oh, you're so brainy, you're so big! Can I suck your dick?" Can I be alone now?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Eisai to tairi mou: (#1.2)" (2001)

Soundtrack:

Baby It's You

Holy Smoke deserves is 9.1 rating by filmunlimited readers

I chose to see Holy Smoke as I've yet to be disappointed by Jane Campion, Harvey Keitel or Kate Winslet. That hasn't changed. The Campion sisters have written a clever, funny and subtle story of how badly a family can bungle their response when their religion of choice is passed over by one of their own in favour of something they find a little too exotic and scary.

It has discreet moments of parody for observant viewers that shows up the shallowness of valuing one faith tradition over another. On the surface it's a hugely funny portrait of a hypocritical conservative family's farcical efforts to cling to normality when Winslet's character begins to branch out.

Look below the surface of the superb performances (especially Winslet and Keitel) and there are some wry observations about religious bigotry and parental disrespect. Winslet and Keitel bring their usual innate honesty and chutzpah to their roles, creating an intense sexual chemistry that is always under their total control.

While Winslet's is by far the most accurate Australian accent I've heard from a British actor, watch out for Sophie Lee, a very funny genuine article who I hope we'll see again soon. My only criticism is that Pam Grier was not allowed more involvement. I would have liked to have see her role developed far more.

Jane Campion's direction is refreshing as always. She gives us the intense, beautiful harshness of the vast Australian outback as well as zooming in on each character's frailties.

This film seems to have polarised opinions for some reason. Perhaps the subject matter has touched a few nerves or maybe some people have expected a different film. Go with an open mind and you may see the power and subtleties of this film.