Men’s Group

Paul runs a men’s group from his home. Freddy, Cecil, Lucas, Moses and Alex are complete strangers when they begin their journey together. They have very little in common and would never normally have cause to speak, let alone share their innermost fears and desires. They soon discover that they do have something in common, being male. As trust grows between them, they gradually begin to share as they learn to listen to each other. They discover that they are not quite so alone in their fears as they had presumed.
Director Michael Joy and producer John L. Simpson had experienced tragic deaths among friends, and they began to recognise that many Australian men were in crisis. They wanted to give voice to the many dilemmas and situations men face, particularly in their relationship as partners, sons and fathers. Michael Joy held lengthy, isolated workshops prior to filming with each of these fine actors, who all have theatre as well as film experience. Upon having crafted the script, they didn’t give it to the actors in order to maintain a spontaneity and directness in the performances. And, with three cameras rolling during most scenes, everything we see in the film is the first and only take. This approach resulted in a fresh, authentic ensemble piece, which is like a pressure cooker of repressed emotions and withheld fears and desires. (EH)

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