How’s the serenity?
The Castle (1997) is an iconic film that not only captured the hearts of its audiences when it was first released but has gone on to become a cultural touchstone for the Australian spirit. Directed by Rob Sitch (The Dish) and produced by Working Dog Productions, The Castle takes viewers on a journey filled with heart, humour, and the undeniable strength of family. Using a blend of wit, charm, and an unmistakably Australian sense of humour, The Castle remains as relevant today as it was upon its first release.
The Castle follows the Kerrigan family, a tight-knit, working-class family living in a modest home next to the airport in suburban Melbourne. Their world is turned upside down when a corporation plans to expand the airport, leading to a forced acquisition of their beloved family home. As they fight to save their castle, the Kerrigans’ unwavering spirit and resilience shine through, making them endearing and relatable to audiences.
Tell him he’s dreamin’.
One-liners, such as, “How’s the serenity?” and “Tell him he’s dreamin,” “It’s the vibe,” and “Straight to the pool room,” have become ingrained in the Australian vernacular, showcasing the film’s enduring influence on popular culture. But it is not just the humour that has made The Castle an Australian classic. The film also explores themes of family, identity, and the true meaning of home. As the Kerrigans battle the odds to protect their castle, they exemplify the Australian spirit’s essence: determination, mateship, and an unwavering belief in the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
Incredibly, The Castle took just over five weeks to produce. The screenplay was written in two weeks, the film was shot in ten days, and a rough cut edit was produced in just two weeks. The Castle went on to become one of the top ten grossing Australian films of all time, and won the AACTA Award for Best Original Screenplay.
The cast includes Michael Caton as the Aussie battler patriarch Daryl Kerrigan, Stephen Curry as youngest son Dale and the film’s narrator, Sophie Lee as daughter Tracey Kerrigan, and Eric Bana as her husband Con. (Bana started his career in Australia as a comedian before making it big in Hollywood.) Tiriel Mora is the hilarious dodgy lawyer Dennis Denuto, and veterans Robyn Nevin AO and Bud Tingwell AM appear in cameo / supporting roles.
As new generations come of age, they too should experience the magic of The Castle. Not only will it provide them with an understanding of the cultural references that continue to shape the way Australians communicate and connect, but it will also introduce them to a film that showcases the best of the Australian spirit. Through the Kerrigans’ journey, they will discover the power of resilience, the importance of family, and the true meaning of home; lessons that transcend generations and remain as relevant today as they did in 1997.
The Castle is playing at the Thomas Dixon Centre on Monday 6 January at 6pm. Tickets are free and are part of the Free Movies summer series.
Thomas Dixon Centre is located at 406 Montague Road West End 4101.
Tickets and more info about the Free Movies : https://www.thomasdixoncentre.com.au/events/free-movies/
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