THE BIT PART
Australia, 1987, 87 minutes, Colour.
Chris Haywood, Katrina Foster, Nicole Kidman, John Wood, Maurie Fields, Deborra- Lee Furness, Ian Mc Fadyen, Wilbur Wilde, Red Symons.
Directed by Brendan Maher.
The Bit Part is a small, pleasantly thoughtful Australian comedy drama. It was written by Peter Herbert with material added from Ian McFadyen? (who appears in the film) and Steve Vizard. It is a good star vehicle for Chris Haywood, one of the main stalwarts of the Australian film industry over many decades. It also features a young Nicole Kidman. A number of Australian character actors and comics also appear in the film.
The film was directed by Brendan Maher, who had directed television material since 1980, including a lot of the main television series including Neighbours and Home and Away. He also made some television films, especially the fine 2010 film, Sisters of War.
The film focuses on a man who has been a guidance counsellor, is dissatisfied with himself and his work, has a hankering for performing. He is challenged by a student to be honest with himself and try out something new – and the film shows the consequences.
1. An enjoyably comic film? Acting, work and professions, discovering the real self? In an Australian atmosphere?
2. The presentation of ordinary Australian life, schools and homes, the theatre, the world of film and television? The score?
3. The title, its ironies? Bit parts in theatre and film? Bit parts in life?
4. Chris Haywood as Michael, his world, his career, the details of his interaction with the students, the arguments, the challenges? His reflection on his life, his relationship with his wife, success and lack of success? His friendship with John, John’s advice? The future?
5. His decision, the various reactions and his coping with them? The irony of his wife? Television, career, roles? Suspicion and support? Baking show? John for and against? The television shows and their success? The pig?
6. The effect on Michael, the agent and his relationship to the agent, the lessons, speech and dance? The encounter with Mary? His wife’s anger? His life and timetables, change?
7. The bits and the bit parts? Film and war (and the comedy of Maurie Fields)? The sneeze? The various auditions and talk? The advertisement and the hand? His being humiliated? Into films? Mary and her past? The plays? American prospects?
8. Themes of hope in the theatre, Mary, discussions, opportunities, making a mess of life or not?
9. The crisis with each other, coming to terms?
10. The final audition, Mary’s role and help, the speech, values and beliefs, self-acceptance and the bit part?
11. The background of showbiz types, comedians, actors, the agent, directors, teachers? The world of commercials? The blend of satire and realism?
