Film Festival 2007 - The Man Who Sued God

Screening at the Serge Constantin Theatre, Vacoas
Saturday 17 February 2007 from 7:30 PM

Synopsis

Divorced lawyer turned fisherman-dropout Steve Myers (Billy Connolly) turns to the courts when his fishing boat and home is destroyed by lightning – but it’s not the insurance company he sues, who blame the act on God, but God him/herself. Steve’s novel case is met with derision by his ex wife Jules (Wendy Hughes) and her new partner Les (Blair Venn), who actually guaranteed the loan for the boat. The churches aren’t going to take this lying down, and wheel in gun lawyer Gerry Ryan (Bille Brown). It also attracts the attention of the media. But at least here he has an ally – other than his dog and daughter Rebecca (Emily Browning) - in the shape of disgruntled journalist Anna Redmond (Judy Davis).

Review

Courtesy of Louise Keller (www.urbancinefile.com.au)

A delicious concept, executed with such panache, The Man Who Sued God is a witty, uplifting satire guaranteed to delight. From its carefully judged script with its crisp dialogue and splendid performances to the marvellous cinematography and varied music soundtrack, this is indeed a special film, with just the right touch of humour, drama and pathos. Bringing out the fighting spirit in all of us, this is a David and Goliath story, a romance and a juicy satire on religion. All good comedies are serious business and everything is played straight; the humour is intelligent, clever and underplayed. There may not be huge belly laughs; the rewards are much finer and much of the humour evokes from everyday situation to which everyone can relate. You know, that last straw when the parking ticket is issued after the disastrous meeting, when the bed whose mattress springs shut at the wrong moment and the door that you need to leave by is locked… it's the recognition for the wobblies that life throws at us, that endears us to the characters. Billy Connolly is simply wonderful as Steve, the hot head who is a better lawyer than a fisherman, but a much happier fisherman. Connolly is so likeable – he never oversteps the mark, keeping his performance totally within bounds of credibility. Judy Davis has long been my favourite Australian actress, and here she is in her element – always a force to be reckoned with. Connolly and Davis light up the screen together: there is genuine magic in their scenes together. Colin Friels is a welcome cast addition as Connolly's screen brother, and Jack Friels (son of Colin and Judy) also gets a credit in a small cameo. All the cast works well, and it's a pleasure to see talent like Bille Brown and Wendy Hughes involved. While it's a universal story that could be told anywhere, Sydney's cityscape and the picturesque, sleepy fishing town of Bermagui looks splendid. The resolution is both clever and satisfying – I loved every minute. Don't miss The Man Who Sued God – it's divine!

Producer: Ben Gannon
Director: Mark Joffe
Writer: Don Watson
Cast: Judy Davis, Billy Connolly, Wendy Hughes, Colin Friels, John Howard 
Duration: 98 min
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Original Australian Theatrical Censorship Rating: M
Screen ratio: 1:2.35 letterbox

Selected Festivals / Awards:

• USA Maui Film Festival
• London Australian Film Festival
• Shanghai International Film Festival.

Australian Film Festival 2007 proudly sponsored by:

• Australian Film Commission
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• The Ministry of Arts and Culture
• The Mauritius Film Development Corporation
• Air Mauritius
• IDP Education
• La Sentinelle
• Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation
• Scott & Co Ltd
• Urban Cinefile

Back to Screening Schedule