Rats in the Ranks
A film by Bob Connolly and Robin Anderson
Screening at the Valhalla in Glebe and other cinemas in Sydney until mid-November
Reviewed by Bruce Threlfo

Many people would be surprised that the usually mundane event of a mayoral election could be promoted as "the best political thriller you'll ever see". Yet, there is no doubt that Rats in the Ranks is an entertaining and enjoyable film.

Rats is based around the 1994 election for the mayor of Leichhardt Council, in Sydney's inner west. With a council made up of four ALP, three community independents and five other members -- no group has a majority -- there are a multiplicity of possible alliances, and the wheeling and dealing is fierce.

What makes this production unique is that it was filmed as the events took place, with remarkable footage of the councillors, including the incumbent mayor, Larry Hand, engaged in detailed negotiations. Even the Labor Party caucus meetings were filmed.

So what does it say about the politics of the council? Some people see in it the pettiness of local government, which often appears to be driven by individual councillors' egos. Others see in it the sell-out of reformist politicians who appear more interested in the prestige accompanying the mayoral position than any greater political principal.

Having worked for Leichhardt Council for 14 years, and knowing the councillors concerned, my first reaction to Rats was that it had missed the point. It did not deal with the political motives of the individual councillors, and did not seek to explain why all this ferocious wheeling and dealing was taking place.

On further reflection, however, it was probably not possible to have a deeper political analysis in this sort of film. Rats works because it captures the intensity and passion of the moment, rather than taking a more distant view. The councillors are all very real, despite the intimacy of the photography (although Larry Hand does ham it up a bit). The film-makers deserve credit for turning random footage into such an entertaining whole.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about this film is that the councillors are reasonably happy with it, despite the embarrassing moments most of them are caught in at various times.

A few visits to inner west pubs in Sydney would probably help you understand the intricacies behind it all, but even if you don't, Rats is worth seeing simply for its entertainment value.

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