Dr Plonk
Director: Rolf de Heer
Rated: G
Now screening


When the Lumiere Brothers gave birth to the cinematic art form over a century ago, the music and visuals enthralled audiences. The new silent medium made stars of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplain amongst a myriad of others. Rolf De Heer directs his new film as an old silent black and white comedy, which despite olde worlde trappings, still has the social observation for which he has become known.

In 1907, eccentric scientist Dr Plonk (Nigel Lunghi) goes about his work despite the interference of his wife, played by Magda Szubanski and clumsy assistant Paulus (Paul Blackwell). Discovering the world will end in 101 years time, he attempts to warn authorities.

Disbelieving his theories, the Prime Minister insists on proof. Travelling to the strange world of 2007 via a time machine, Dr Plonk discovers its' inhabitants have turned into zombies while watching mysterious 'picture boxes'. Along with help from Reg the wonder dog, Dr Plonk frantically tries to save his people from becoming their own worst enemy.

Whenever critics call someone 'obscure' or 'unconventional', that usually means that person doesn't subscribe to the usual everyday dross. Rolf De Heer has made a virtue of creating his own vision using a broad palate of the filmic canvas, and 'Dr Plonk' harks back to the hand cranked style of movies very well, with the actors expertly showing off the demanding physical comedy. By removing dialogue, De Heer shows that actions speak louder than words, with the music enhancing the mix of slapstick and satire.

The 2007 section is the funniest aspect of the reasonably amusing story. Things become unstuck due to the ninety minute running time which is a bit long for a silent comedy. The story takes a while to get moving, with certain jokes being constantly repeated. The digs at current social norms are hilarious, but the 1907 scenes never seem to gel, feeling rather contrived than having the humour come naturally. An appearance from 'South Australia's own' Premier Mike Rann as the current Prime Minister adds to the general crazy carry on, with Rann proving that even politicians can be guilty of hammy acting (!!!)

'Dr Plonk' is another interesting addition to De Heer's resume, who always tells very Australian stories no matter what type of medium he uses. The clever inventiveness of the comedy doesn't lose the irony of De Heer's usage of an old filming style that makes this the most accessible of his works.

Patrick Moore