Careful, He Might Hear You

Careful, He Might Hear You is a 1983 Australian drama film based upon the novel of the same name by Sumner Locke Elliott. Intelligently directed by Carl Schultz, the film presents a heartrending tale of family, love, societal position, and personal obligation set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. A compelling narrative crafted with exceptional sensitivity, the movie delves into evolving familial dynamics, grappling with the innate complexities of human emotions and choices.

The film revolves around the life of a young boy, P.S., ingeniously portrayed by child actor Nicholas Gledhill in his film debut. P.S. represents the innocence and vulnerability of childhood, caught amidst contrasting affections, expectations, and the shifting circumstances of his life. The film brings to the fore the story of this motherless child, living under the care of his Aunt Lila, played brilliantly by Robyn Nevin, in a working-class suburb of Sydney, Australia.

Lila, an unpretentious and hardworking woman, provides P.S. with all the necessary comfort and companionship without the extravagant frills. Her only aim is to safeguard the boy from the harsh realities in the best possible way, while also trying to ensure a sense of normality in the day-to-day dwelling. Lila and P.S.'s harmonious relationship develops a certain protective bubble around them, unperturbed by the world outside.

However, a sudden intervention disrupts this tranquil existence. P.S.'s other aunt, the elegant and affluent Vanessa, splendidly enacted by Wendy Hughes, arrives from England. Vanessa, charmed by P.S.'s innocence and stimulated by a desire to offer him better prospects, seeks his custody. She begins to lure P.S. with her opulent lifestyle, exciting tales of European escapades, and indulgent gifts. Meanwhile, Vanessa's idea of P.S.'s upbringing, which largely revolves around turning him into a sophisticated young man, is diametrically different from Lila's simple hopes and expectations for him.

This essentially sparks off a fierce custody battle between the two sisters, where Vanessa's wealth and poise overshadow Lila's humble disposition, and the court's decision inevitably impacts P.S.'s life profoundly. However, as the narrative unfurls, it becomes clear that Vanessa's motives behind fighting for P.S.'s custody extend beyond just affection and concern.

The film devotes adequate time in developing each character, providing depth and realism to their relationships. The dichotomy between the two sisters is strikingly depicted, both in terms of their personalities and their love for P.S., thus adding multiple layers to the narrative.

In terms of direction, Carl Schultz compels the audience to engage in the underlying complexities and emotional intricacies woven into the lives of the characters. He artfully highlights the societal differences between the two sisters, their contrasting ways of life, and their personal quests for fulfillment and love through P.S., and in doing so, he paints a poignant picture of human vulnerability and resilience. Schultz's profound collection of visual contrasts effectively illustrates the dichotomy present in P.S.'s world between Lila's love and stability and Vanessa's enticing yet uncertain offerings.

Complementing the powerful storytelling are the impeccable performances by the cast members. Wendy Hughes, queen of the Australian New Wave cinema, delivers an arresting performance as Vanessa. She skillfully captures Vanessa's internal turmoil, revealing the vulnerability that lurks beneath her sophisticated façade. Equally compelling is Robyn Nevin, who delivers a nuanced performance as Lila, embodying the woman's martyr-like grace, resilience, and deep-seated love for P.S. And at the heart of the film is Nicholas Gledhill, who impressively carries the weight of the film on his young shoulders, perfectly capturing the child's emotional journeys.

Ray Argall's nuanced cinematography effectively captures the depression-ridden Australian landscape as it fluctuates between the opulent interiors of Vanessa's house and the simplicity of Lila's humble abode. The movie is also well-scored by Ray Cook, whose music provides a perfect accompaniment throughout the emotional journey.

In summation, Careful, He Might Hear You is an intense drama that explores the rawness of human emotions and relationships, capturing their essences deftly and with compassion. Its rich storytelling, matched by strong performances and intelligent direction, makes it an emotionally resonant viewing experience that pushes viewers to question societal norms and human motivations, leaving them with lingering thoughts and feelings long after the screen dims.