Harlequin

Harlequin is an intriguing Australian psychological thriller film released in 1980, originally titled "Dark Forces" in the United States. Directed by Simon Wincer and featuring a compelling script by Everett de Roche, the movie is an idiosyncratic blend of fantasy, political drama, and enigmatic magic that blurs the line between the amicable and the eerie.

Harlequin punches above its weight, drawing inspiration from the Russian mystical faith healer, Grigori Rasputin. The film masterfully uses this historic figure to weave a narrative that's haunting and mystical. It is a brilliant amalgamation of politics, spirituality, and the supernatural, presenting a storyline that is as unique as it is mysterious.

The film primarily revolves around the central character, Gregory Wolfe, portrayed by Robert Powell. Wolfe is a modern-day Rasputin figure—enigmatic, charismatic, fast-talking, and mysteriously hard to pin down. He quickly becomes an influential figure in the lives of an up-and-coming politician, Nick Rast, and his family, especially his wife, Sandra, and their sickly son, Alex. The intense political narrative is interspersed with the darkly supernatural, creating a layered storyline that commands the audience's attention. Powell's enigmatic performance as a faith healer and miracle worker resonates with a sense of mystique that does not wane with time.

Our political figure, Nick Rast, played by David Hemmings, is engrossed in his career ladder, striving to reach new heights of political success. As he becomes embroiled deeper into the world of politics, his family life suffers, especially with his son Alex, who's diagnosed with leukemia. Sandra, Nick's concerned wife, played by Carmen Duncan, wrestles with their son's life-threatening illness and the desertion of her husband who's immersed into the political landscape, leaving her to face familial issues alone.

Enter Gregory Wolfe, a faith healer who seems to hold the key to the healing that Alex desperately needs. Robert Powell's intriguing performance captures all the mystique you'd expect from a character inspired by Rasputin. Wolfe's inexplicable abilities to heal and influence people swiftly gain him the trust of Sandra and draw the interest of Nick. As the plot unwinds, Wolfe's entry into their lives instigates a series of events that unravel intriguing mysteries about his character and intentions.

Harlequin is as much a political drama as it is a supernatural thriller. The film does an exceptional job fusing two seemingly discordant genres together to produce a narrative where the tension stays high, the developments are unpredictable, and the surprises keep coming. The political landscape is a minefield of intrigue and scheming that adds an extra layer of tension to the air of mystery surrounding Wolfe's character.

Visually, the film is impregnated with symbolism and metaphoric imagery through adept cinematography, offering up a tapestry of suggestive images that hold its audience captive. The superb camerawork and a resonant musical score enhance the robust narrative, adding an innovative touch that elevates the film to a different level. Harlequin visually encapsulates the enigmatic essence of a time of transformation, echoing its socio-political threads.

The film received critical acclaim and was an instant success, resulting in winning three Australian Film Institute awards for Best Original Music Score, Best Costume Design, and Best Editing. Despite not being an instant commercial success, it has garnered a cult following over the years. The film's legendary status is cemented in its unique take on the supernatural genre, coupled with its unpredictable storyline and outstanding performances.

Harlequin is a film to be savored by those who appreciate complex themes handled with subtlety and depth. The film's multi-layered narrative, coupled with its consistent suspense and intriguing portrayal of characters, makes for a hauntingly memorable cinematic experience. Offering a refreshing cocktails of genres, Harlequin significantly widens the appeal beyond the borders of supernatural and political thrillers to a larger audience. However, viewers should expect the unexpected – as within its narrative labyrinth, hidden tunnels of surprise await at every turn.