Malcolm

Malcolm is a charming and truly original Australian comedy film released in 1986. The movie stars Colin Friels in the titular role, supported by the exquisite talents of John Hargreaves and Lindy Davies. The film is a delightful blend of comedy and drama, set in the beautiful urban backdrop of Melbourne, Australia.

Colin Friels portrays Malcolm, an introverted and socially awkward young man with a distinct genius for mechanical devices. Despite his quiet and unassuming disposition, Malcolm has an inventive mind and a capacity for complex technical conceptions that infuses the film with fun and ingenuity. After the death of his mother, Malcolm finds himself alone with his inventions in a big house in a quiet leafy suburb. For financial reasons, he takes in a boarder.

John Hargreaves performs the role of Frank, a small-time crook fresh out of jail who becomes Malcolm's boarder under the pretense of a respectably employed tenant. However, Frank's girlfriend Judy, portrayed by Lindy Davies, follows soon, and they unceremoniously take over Malcolm's house. Frank is sharp, street-smart, and no stranger to trouble, while Judy is warm, understanding, and quick to recognize Malcolm's brilliance. They are at first wary of Malcolm's oddities, but gradually they begin to appreciate his kindhearted nature and inventive brilliance.

As the story unfolds, an unlikely friendship develops among these three distinct characters. Through the curious dichotomy of Malcolm’s simplicity and his mechanical virtuosity, the film explores beautiful themes of friendship, loyalty, and acceptance. And it is through this friendship that Malcolm finds himself drawn into Frank and Judy's small-time heist operations, providing this benign comedy yarn an element of crime and adventure.

The captivating narrative of the story is interlaced with exciting scenes featuring Malcolm's incredible inventions that are often humorous, surprising, and captivating.

Colin Friels’ acting is stellar, delivering an authentic and endearing portrayal of an eccentric character. John Hargreaves and Lindy Davies also put on terrific performances, bringing dimensions of their own to the tale. The relationships among the trio are nuanced, with a gradual building of mutual respect and understanding. This makes the character development as engaging as the plot.

Directed by Nadia Tass, Malcolm is her debut feature film. Tass handles this quirky narrative with great sensitivity and playful humor, making the movie an absolute standout in Australian cinema. She amplifies the quirks of Friels' character and brings out gorgeously humorous set-pieces from the most ordinary situations.

The cinematography by David Parker captures the action ingeniously, making sure to highlight the whimsy and lightheartedness of the script. Whether it’s the cozy streets of Melbourne suburbs, the tinkerings in Malcolm's workshop crawling with peculiar inventions, or the thrill of the fast-paced action sequences, Parker's camerawork immerses the audience in Malcolm's world.

Adding a more profound layer to the visual comedy is the stirring original score composed by Simon Jeffes. The music complements the characters' experiences, further enhancing the film's effectiveness. One could argue that the music is an additional character, setting the mood and driving the narrative forward.

In summary, Malcolm is a delightfully heartwarming exploration of friendship, creativity, and acceptance set against an unusual juxtaposition of suburban life and surreal inventor's workshop. It brims with intelligence and wit, showcasing the excellent skills of the director and the talents of the cast. This 1986 release offers a unique cinematic experience that blends comedy, drama, and crime genres with a uniquely Australian spirit. It is carried by the outstanding performances of Colin Friels, John Hargreaves, and Lindy Davies. Their characters, their interactions, and the remarkable world of Malcolm are unforgettable, promising a visual treat and a memorable story for anyone who appreciates inventive, lighthearted cinema.