The Good Wife

The Good Wife is a gripping Australian drama film which was released in 1987. It is directed by Ken Cameron and stars the talented Rachel Ward, Bryan Brown, and Steven Vidler. The film’s engaging narrative draws its viewers into the lush natural landscapes and intimate small-town life of Australia during the late 1930s, as it explores the complexities of marriage, fidelity, and the desire for liberation from societal constructs.

Ward delivers a stellar performance as Marge Hills, the titular 'good wife,' who navigates her family life in a small, dusty Australian town. Bryan Brown portrays Sonny Hills, her husband, a loving but fairly ordinary man who falls short of the vibrant passion that Marge yearns for. Steven Vidler completes the primary trio, playing the charming and unpredictable character of Neville ‘Nev’ Gifford.

The narrative places Marge and Sonny at the core of a close-knit town community and draws a detailed portrait of their peaceful but monotonous life. They share a seemingly idyllic life, patched together with small joys, regular chores, social gatherings, parenthood, and the security of a long-term partnership. However, beneath this serenity lingers an undercurrent of Marge's quiet dissatisfaction and unfulfilled desires.

When Nev Gifford comes to town, he brings an enticing breath of fresh air, adding a spark of unpredictability to their otherwise predictable town. Nev is strikingly different from the townsfolk and Marge's husband, which piques Marge's interest and shifts the dynamics of the narrative. Nev embodies the freedoms, passions, and adventures that Marge had only dreamt of, catapulting her from her tranquil domestic life into a whirlwind of emotional exploration.

Director Ken Cameron skilfully paints a nuanced portrait of Marge who, despite being married and bound by societal norms, dares to listen to her heart’s deepest desires. Marge battles with her newfound feelings and their implications, teetering between her responsibilities as a wife and mother, and the prospect of unfamiliar emotional territories. Throughout this, Rachel Ward delivers a poignant performance, capturing the essence of Marge's character brilliantly—be it through her silent nods of acknowledgment, contemplative gazes, or emotional upheavals.

Bryan Brown's portrayal of Sonny is equally stirring. He truly embodies the character of a hardworking, loving husband who is blissfully unaware of the tumultuous emotional storm brewing within his wife. Conversely, Steven Vidler plays the intriguing character of Nev to perfection, imbuing the storyline with an alluring unpredictability.

The Good Wife explores human emotions and desires in an extremely relatable manner—it does not shy away from the moral dilemmas that its characters face. Marge’s struggle to choose between her marital obligations and her heart’s longing is both authentic and thought-provoking.

The film’s setting is another compelling aspect, injecting a unique Australian character into the narrative. From the vividly portrayed small-town life with its gossip, shared histories, and the sense of community, to the sweeping vastness of the Australian landscapes and the rugged outback, the setting contributes significantly to the story's overall tone and complexity.

Beyond the performances, the film is notable for its exceptional direction and its treatment of the story. It delves into complex personalities, relationships, and desires, while managing to avoid clichés or melodrama. The storytelling is subtly nuanced and layered, painting a rich tapestry of human emotions against a backdrop of domesticity and societal expectations.

In terms of technical brilliance, The Good Wife is crafted with meticulous attention to period authenticity. The costumes, sets, props, and even the colloquial language used by the characters reflect the 1930s Australia meticulously, immersing viewers in this era.

In conclusion, The Good Wife is a compelling drama that embodies a strikingly human exploration of desire, morality, and personal freedom. It delivers a cinematic experience that is as visually rich as it is emotionally engaging, brought to life by exceptional performances and an intelligently written narrative. The film not only contributes significantly to Australian cinema but also offers a uniquely Australian perspective on universal human themes—a must-watch for those seeking meaningful cinema.