The Oyster Farmer

Synopsis: Jack Flange (Alex O’Lachlan) leaves his city life to live on the Hawkesbury River and work with Brownie (David Field) on his oyster farm. To help pay his sister’s hospital bills, Jack commits a crime. While living with the stress of whether he will be caught, he immerses himself in the local community where he learns the secrets of their lives, meets the beautiful Pearl (Dianna Glenn), and makes some important discoveries about himself

Although there is nothing remarkable to the plot The Oyster Farmer looks feels fresh and original. In many ways it presents like a visual love song to the majestic, mysterious Hawkesbury and the small backwoods community of oyster farmers who live on its bounty. .

First-time director Anna Reeves says she always loved the river’s epic landscape and with the awesome overhead sweeping shots of a small tin boat zooming along a flawless blue waterway,she brings home a sense of its vastness and isolation. The cinematography by Alun Bollinger captures its uniqueness, from armies of crabs scuttling to crowded mangroves to the oyster beds themselves, gnarled, grey and mysterious, all underscored by the exquisite music of Stephen Warbeck.

No less part of the scene are the winning characters, many typically-enough Aussie, but not portrayed with the Ockerness that plagues so many local films. The small role of Vietnam vet Skippy (Jack Thompson) and local sewage pumper Slug (Alan Cinis) are testament to Reeves’ skill in eliciting real characters with authentic personalities, not just stereotypes.

The main performances show what a wealth of talent we have to offer. David Field, so often cast in character roles, is outstanding as the gruff Brownie, beneath his hard exterior as soft as an oyster. He has real chemistry with estranged wife Trish, played by Kerry Armstrong, who has secret ways of attracting men and of stopping oysters spawning prematurely. Brownie’s father, Mumbles, played by Jim Norton is a charismatic character – an old expert on the job; a man who has an understanding of the river and oysters, which he tries to impart, along with life’s wisdom, down the generations, not hat anyone is listening. Alex O’Lachlan in his first feature film seems headed for stardom with his good looks and the sensitivity he brings to the role. Similarly, relative newcomer Dianna Glenn conveys a grounded sensuality as Pearl and once again the chemistry between these two younger players is palpable.

The Oyster Farmer captures vague feelings about the bitter-sweet quality of life – its longings, broken dreams, hopes, past baggage, forgiveness, and coming to terms and just getting on with it.

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