Salvation

Any Paul Cox film from Australia is of interest to anyone who has seen his body of work: MAN OF FLOWERS or MOLOKAI or LONELY HEARTS or MY FIRST WIFE or about 8 others produced in this country in the last 30 years. He basically is a living national treasure, a European immigrant with a love of the human emotion and form whose films reflect the many pitfalls and hopes of ordinary Australians. Perhaps a Ken Loach/Woody Allen combo for those who do not know him. It is worth researching his films and i urge you to do so in these pages. SALVATION is a sly comedy about tele-evangelism and the ripple effect through a suburb of disparate people including a lonely husband, a Russian prostitute, her pimp, and the main character's assistant. Just released with minor but strong fanfare it will preach to the Cox converted and certainly allow more than a few surprise laughs, an uncommon thing in a Cox film. One scene involving Barry Humphries as a shy old man visiting the gorgeous Russian prostitute is genuinely touching and very funny. Wendy Hughes also seen recently in comedy THE VIEW FROM GREENHAVEN is as gorgeous as ever and adds a droll turn as the tele-evangelist Gloria Daye to whom God apparently told her to get a face-lift and ask the congregation for the funds to do it.

Paul Cox presents yet another brilliant and thought provoking film for fans of his work. Prompted by a comment he heard from a high profile tele-evangelist who said "God wanted me to have cosmetic surgery", or the like, and Paul was away with Salvation. Paul's clear view of the insidious nature of some of these self appointed authorities of faith, results in an hilarious script allowing a strong cast to weave a tale of mirth. The Australian cast is rich in talent including Wendy Hughes, Kim Gyngell, Bruce Myles, Natasha Novak, Alex Menglet, Chris Haywood, Terry Norris, Charles "Bud" Tingwell, Monica Maughan, Tony Llewellyn-Jones and Barry Humphries. Barry Humphries character and his depiction reduced me to tears. So moving and thoughtful. Watch for the many magic moments where Paul Cox allows you to share his eye for the special times and visuals this earthy world has to offer.