Ten Empty (2008)

User Rating:

4.9/10   

Director:

Anthony Hayes

Writers:

Brendan Cowell (written by)
Anthony Hayes (written by)

Release Date:

2008 (Australia)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Everything changes... except family.

Plot:

A disillusioned son's trip home is complicated when ten years of family secrets explode over one weekend. |

Plot Keywords:

Trip | Ten Years | Weekend | Secret | Home

Cast

Daniel Frederiksen	...	Elliot
Geoff Morrell	...	Ross
Lucy Bell	...	Diane
Tom Budge	...	Brett
Brendan Cowell	...	Shane Hackett
Blazey Best	...	Bernadette
Jack Thompson	...	Bobby Thompson
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Kaliopi Eleni	...	Dr. Lockyer
Andy McPhee	...	Minister
Adam Morgan	...	Noel

Also Known As:

10 Empty (International: English title) (alternative spelling)

Runtime:

Australia:95 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Certification:

Australia:MA (2008)

Company:

Dragonfly Pictures

Trivia:

The meaning of the title "Ten Empty" refers to the number of canvasses the mother is given to paint as part of her psychological cognitive therapy. When given to her, they are ten empty canvasses.

An Aussie gem

I saw Ten Empty at an early screening and I must say, rarely are we afforded a chance to become taken in by such a raw and true story of an Australian family. Anthony Hayes and Brendan Cowell have crafted a complex and indeed unique collection of characters that will resonate with everyone. The fact that they're dysfunctional is nothing new of course, but the filmmakers have tapped into the Australian small town suburban life-cycle with such insight that the set up is fresh and actually very close and true to what most Aussies live everyday. Indeed, the element that really struck me the most while watching Ten Empty was that of its familiarity—I know these people, these places, these troubles—and even if I have never lived this life fully, I'm propelled into their lives and can't help but connect to who is on the screen. Even though the story deals with difficulties—dysfunctions, death, other issues starting with 'd'—Hayes recognises the strength in his characters and this is usually delivered through humour. When things are tough, Aussies have a laugh and then deal with it. This film appeals not only to the dramatic, but the light-hearted and the inclusion of such fine actors as Jack Thompson, Brendan Cowell and Blazey Best helps bring a real warmth and truth to the story. Ten Empty is at times sad, fierce, funny and an ultimately poignant and redeeming two hours of quality Australian cinema.