Human nature and society

Bad Boy Bubby
Directed by Rolf de Heer
Screening at Wallis Theatres, Adelaide
Reviewed by Anthony Thirlwall

Bad Boy Bubby has been in his room for 35 years. He knows only three living things -- his mother, his cat and cockroaches. His knowledge of the outside world is not much broader -- there is Jesus and fear. His personality reflects all of the above -- until he is let out.

Then discovery. This is what this film is all about -- human nature and society. It is about Bubby's confrontation with society.

Through Bobby's experience the audience is forced to see how personalities, including their own, are a construction of our social being. Its message is positive as our capacity for love, laughter and passion shine throughout the film.

But it holds no punches: very little is sacred, as the movie challenges preconceived ideas about ourselves and the society we live in. This film is an emotional experience -- like life itself. It will make you sick, it will make you laugh and cry. Like life, it is not worth missing.

The movie was made in South Australia and has won a range of international awards including the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. It also received awards at the Seattle International Film Festival.

Given the opportunity it deserves, Bad Boy Bubby is going to cause a sensation. People are going to love and hate it because it cuts straight to the bone. Reality bites, there is no point denying it; this film challenges us to take responsibility and change it.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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