Dr. Plonk
| Dr Plonk | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical film poster | |
| Directed by | Rolf de Heer |
| Produced by |
Rolf de Heer Julie Ryan |
| Written by | Rolf de Heer |
| Starring | Nigel Martin |
| Music by | Graham Tardif |
| Cinematography | Judd Overton |
| Edited by | Tania Nehme |
Production company |
Australian Film Finance Corporation Vertigo Productions Pty. Ltd. |
| Distributed by | Fandango |
Release date |
5 March 2007 (Adelaide Film Festival) 30 August 2007 (Australia) |
Running time | 85 minutes |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
Dr Plonk is a 2007 Australian silent sci-fi comedy film written and directed by Rolf de Heer. It premiered in Australia in at the 2007 Adelaide Film Festival and had live accompaniment by the Stiletto Sisters. The film was also screened at the launch of Australia's National Film and Sound Archive's new cinema, Arc, in August 2007. Its public cinema release is 30 August 2007.
The film, set primarily in 1907, has been described as "a time-travelling satire".[1] The Adelaide Film Festival program described it as "a black and white, silent comedy shot with a hand-cranked camera and brimming with romance, action and especially, slapstick comedy".[2] Its score was composed by Graham Tardif. It is also notable for a cameo appearance by the South Australian Premier, Mike Rann, playing the 2007 Prime Minister.
Plot
The story focuses on Dr Plonk, a scientist and inventor who, in 1907, determines that the world will end in 101 years. However, he is ridiculed for his beliefs and so invents a time machine in order to collect evidence from the future to prove his case. But each visit he makes to 2007 only causes him more problems, and he eventually becomes a wanted man...
Cast
- Nigel Lunghi, as Dr Plonk
- Magda Szubanski, as Mrs Plonk
- Paul Blackwell, as Dr Plonk's assistant, Paulus
- Reg, the dog, as Tiberius the dog
Production
De Heer was inspired to make the film after discovering old raw film stock, which prompted him to make a silent movie.[3]
Distribution
Dr Plonk was distributed in Australia by Palace Films.
Reception
Commercial
Dr Plonk grossed $83,450 at the box office in Australia.[4]
Critical
Dr. Plonk received mixed to positive reviews from critics and audiences. Despite currently having no approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film received an Audience rating of 68%.
Urban Cinefile Critics gave a positive review; "Beyond its novelty value, Dr Plonk is fresh and funny, wacky and outlandish as it combines slapstick, situation comedy and an audacious premise."
Accolades
| Award | Category | Subject | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Cinematographers Society | SA & WA Silver Award for Best Cinematography | Judd Overton | Won |
| FCCA Award | Best Music Score | Graham Tardif | Nominated |
See also
References
- ↑ National Film and Sound Archive
- ↑ Adelaide Film Festival (2007)
- ↑ Andrew L Urban, "DE HEER, ROLF – DR PLONK", Urban Cinefile accessed 11 November 2012
- ↑ Film Victoria - Australian Films at the Australian Box Office