Squizzy Taylor

Although coming well after the period films that marked the renaissance of  Australian film in the 1970s, Squizzy Taylor is very much in their mold with considerable emphasis on decorative production values. In this respect it is quite impressive as a re-creation of inner-city Melbourne of the 1920s but for all its attempts to re-invent,Hollywood-style, Les “Squizzy” Taylor as a glamorous  gangster he never seems more than a two-bit crook and a not particularly likeable one at that.

In the lead role, David Atkins was presumably cast because he was appropriately height-challenged (Taylor was only 5’2”) and he lacks the Cagney-esque bravado that might have given the film the bite it needed. Compounding the problem, both Roger Simpson's script and Kevin Dobson's direction at best diligently work through the story of Squizzy’s rise and fall,drawing on the familiar set-pieces and characters (notably Jacki Weaver's moll and Steve Bisley's strong-arm man) of the Hollywood gangster genre. However if the film fails in generating much in the way of authenticity or credibility it is quite effective as an exercise in recreating Australian Deco style and anyone who admires such will find the film quite appealing.

FYI: Atkins was the film's choreographer

DVD Extras: Featurette - The Rise and Fall of Squizzy Taylor (52m), Theatrical trailer.

Available from: Umbrella Entertainment

 

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