Let's Get Skase

Let's Get Skase is an Australian comedy film released in 2001. The movie takes a uniquely comedic approach to real-life events that surrounded the notorious Australian businessman, Christopher Skase. The title itself is a playful take on the general sentiment among many Australians who wanted Chris Skase to face justice for his fraudulent activities during the height of his success.

The movie features a talented ensemble cast including Lachy Hulme, Alex Dimitriades, Craig McLachlan, Torquil Neilson, and Bill Kerr, along with an impressive supporting cast. The performances across the board are complemented by the script's amusingly exaggerated take on real-life personalities, contributing to a deftly executed blend of reality and comedic fiction.

Lachy Hulme stars as Peter Dellasandro, a relatively small-scale entrepreneur who took a sizeable financial hit as a result of Skase's unscrupulous dealings. Informed by an unquenchable desire for revenge, Peter gathers a motley crew guide by scheming Alex Dimitriades as the hilariously extravagant bounty hunter, Eric Carney. The team is tasked with an unusual and ambitious mission - to bring the elusive Skase back from his luxurious exile on the Spanish island of Majorca to stand trial in Australia.

Let's Get Skase takes joy in ramping up the absurdity of their situation, never letting the audience forget its roots in satire. While the film's eccentricities may seem overdone at times, it works within the context of the story it's attempting to tell. The film effectively captures the bitter frustration felt by Skase's victims, channeling it through humorously over-the-top plots and characterizations.

At the heart of the many madcap escapades is Craig McLachlan as Danny Francis, a former TV soap star on Skase's payroll, who finds himself caught up in the misadventure. His performance adds an element of clever farce to the film. He navigates his character's transformation from washed-up actor to reluctant hero with an engaging charm that provides some of the film's most memorable moments.

With an interesting intersection of comedy, crime, and based-on-real events drama, Let's Get Skase uses humor to shed light on one of Australia's most controversial figures in recent history. The director, Matthew George, uses the film as a platform to not only entertain viewers but also to highlight the real-life impacts of white-collar crime. It's underlined by a knowing wink to the audience - taking a serious subject matter and framing it with an absurd, fun lens to create a memorable cinematic experience.

However, it's not just about the laughs. Let's Get Skase also takes the time to dig into the emotional fallout that victims of Skase's crimes experienced. There's a vein of very real pain and anger running through the film. Through the characters of Peter and the team, viewers get a glimpse into how the Skase scandal impacted the lives of ordinary Australians, making the film a curious mix of hilarity and poignancy.

The film benefits from sharp writing, with many acerbic one-liners and tongue-in-cheek reference to real-world incidents, helping heighten the sense of humour throughout. There's also a fair share of slapstick and physical comedy that adds to the overall sense of chaotic fun.

Let's Get Skase touches on universal themes such as justice, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked greed. While primarily targeting an Australian audience familiar with the background of Christopher Skase, the movie also holds appeal for a broader international audience, thanks to the universally relatable themes and skilled comedy.

Visually, Let's Get Skase has a bright, vivid aesthetic that matches its comedic tone. Filmed on location in Sydney and the Gold Coast, the movie makes excellent use of its beautiful Australian backdrop, contrasted sharply against the opulence of Skase's Spanish exile.

In essence, Let's Get Skase is a uniquely Australian comedy that marries real-life events with a cheeky, tongue-in-cheek narrative. It's a wild, often slapstick-infused ride that provides both laughter and a certain degree of thought-provoking context into the saga of Christopher Skase. It is a movie that captures the Australian spirit of 'giving it a go', even when the odds seem overwhelmingly stacked against success.