PARKLANDS
Australia, 1996, 53 minutes, Colour.
Cate Blanchett, Tony Martin.
Directed by Kathryn Millard.
Parklands is a short feature written and directed by Kathryn Millard. It has an Adelaide setting, a story of a young woman returning to the city for her father's funeral, intersecting memories of her childhood, of her young adulthood and relationship with her father, probing a mystery and suspicions about his death and his being involved in corrupt police activity.
The film varies in its styles: a realistic and naturalistic treatment of the present, the use of material from past decades (both colour documentary and advertising as well as black and white television programs starring, amongst others, Ernie Sigley), and a more faded style for some of the flashbacks.
The film focuses on the journey of the young woman, her relationships and probings, her ultimate letting go of her father and not probing the mystery of his behaviour.
The film stars Cate Blanchett, who was to go on to star in such films as Paradise Road and Oscar and Lucinda. Tony Martin, award winner for his role as Neddy Smith in Blue Murder, is the father.
It is a short feature - and much of it might have been amplified with a longer running time. Photography is by Mandy Walker, one of the most noted cinematographers in Australia during the '90s.
1.The significance of the title? The visualising of the parks and the flowers, the opening credits, the ending? The information about the layout of Adelaide and its being surrounded by parklands?
2.The different styles of photography for the different eras? The present, the immediate past, the '60s and Rose's childhood? The intercutting and editing of the various styles? The musical score - bright, echoes of songs and TV jingles, the more solemn style of music, especially at the ending?
3.The length of the film, the portraiture, the introduction of themes, the exploration of issues?
4.The structure of the film: the presentation of the parklands, Rose and the funeral, relationships, memories of her girlhood, memories of her father, the photos, the television? The intercutting of the advertisement about the model homes and the satisfaction of parents and family with such homes - making the past seem idealistic? The flashbacks to Rose's relationship with her father, with her family?
5.The character of Rose: as a little girl, accompanying her father on his work, her love for her father, her comment that she was not in any of the photos of his life? Her leaving for Sydney, her return visit? The funeral, the introduction to Jean, deciding to stay with Jean, friendly towards her? Her discussions with her brother, with her mother? With the wife of the deceased policeman and her suspicions? Her probing, the puzzle about her father's retirement, drug-dealing, his death? The box and it being given to her by the widow? Her final decision to burn it on the beach? The scenes of her walking, reflecting, thinking - the motives for her final decision? The solution of the puzzle? Her future?
6.Cliff and his relationship with his children, the photos, the TV, the ideal home? His conscientious work in the police force? Taking Rose with him? The alienation from his wife, walking out, taking everything with him, including his photos? His intending to marry Jean? The relationship with friends in the police force? Suspicions, his imminent resignation? The background of police investigations and corruption in Australian states in the 1990s? His death and people mourning him?
7.Jean, friendship with Cliff, understanding him, the possibility of marriage? Her offering friendship to Rose? Rose staying with her, a genial person, offering information about Cliff? The searching of her house?
8.The contrast with Cliff's wife, dignity, deserted? The separation? Rose's brother and his speculations? The memories of their life in the past?
9.The widow, her grief at the wake, indicating suspicions to Rose, Rose's visit, the discussions, giving her the box and her wanting it out of the house?
10.The picture of the police, detective work, the temptations, the drugs - and the marijuana burning? Cliff being corrupt or not?
11.Themes of the Australian family, bonds, separations, probing of mysteries?
