Themes: Small-Town Life, Eccentric Families, Starting Over
Main Cast: Ben Mendelsohn, Susie Porter, Andrew S. Gilbert, Belinda McClory, Tony Barry
Release Year: 2000
Country: AU
Run Time: 89 minutes
Plot
A prodigal son returns home to a decidedly unenthusiastic reception in this dryly witty comedy-drama. Eddie (Ben Mendelsohn) grew up in Coollawarra, a small fishing community along Australia's southern coast. In his teens, Eddie gained the nickname "mullet" -- referring not to the neck-warmer hair style, but to a small fish that's plentiful in local waters but no one cares to eat. One day, Eddie packed up and left Coollawarra without warning, spending three years in nearby Sydney, but just as abruptly, he returns to his hometown and sets up housekeeping in an aging mobile home. Eddie soon discovers that things have changed a bit while he was away; the local fishing spots are no longer producing much catch, his parents (Tony Barry and Kris McQuade) are arguing even more than usual, his sister Robbie (Peta Brady) isn't so sure how she feels about having Eddie back in town, and his brother Pete (Andrew S. Gilbert) has gotten married -- to Eddie's old girlfriend, Tully (Susie Porter). Mullet also features Belinda McClory as Kay, the local barmaid who narrates the story. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
John Titley - First Assistant Director, David Caesar - Director, Mark Perry - Editor, Paul Healy - Composer (Music Score), Elizabeth Moore - Production Designer, Robert Humphereys - Cinematographer, Liam Egan - Sound/Sound Designer, David Caesar - Screenwriter
In the film, Eddie (Ben Mendelsohn) returns to his home town on the south coast of New South Wales. Having left for the city without explanation a few years previously, he tries to pick up the pieces of his life and fit back in to the lives of those he left, including his ex-girlfriend Tully (Susie Porter) and brother Pete (Andrew Gilbert). The title of the film comes from Eddie's nickname and from his attempts to make a living poachingmullet.
The film succeeds in a very human portrayal of the difficulties in living on the fringe of a close-knit community. The drama of the developing relationships is supported by very dry comedy (archetypical Australian humour) and detailed but understated design.
Production
The film was based on a short story written by writer-director David Caesar. Caesar and Producer Vincent Sheehan stated that the budget for the film was approximately AUS$1 million. However, while shooting was undertaken in four weeks, it was eight years from first concept to completion.[1]
Total box office has been reported as AUD$ 1,157,161.[2]
