By Kate Rodger
Kiwi director Kirstin Marcon debuts her new film, The Most Fun You Can Have Dying
Based on the Steven Gannaway book Seraphim Blues, this is the oftentimes harrowing story of Michael, who has terminal liver cancer.
He turns his back on friends and family, stealing the money they raised for his treatment and fleeing to Europe to go out in a hedonistic blaze of glory, falling in love on the way.
The performance from Go Girls star Matt Whelan in this confronting role is impressive and newcomer Pana Hema Taylor as Whelan's best mate David is also one to watch; it's their relationship which is the source of the most of the story's emotional resonance.
Where the film faltered for me was in the rather pivotal coupling of Whelan and French actress Roxane Mesquida as Sylvie, who failed to authentically convey the apathetic desperation required to give one of the big emotional peaks of this story any impact.
The unlikeability of both characters served to drain me of any empathy I had for either, as the inevitability of Michael’s life played out.
No question though, this is an assured debut for it's clearly talented director. She tells her story cohesively and with a distinct and compelling visual flair.
Three stars.
The Most Fun You Can Have Dying
:: Director: Kirstin Marcon
:: Starring: Matt Whelan, Roxane Mesquida, Pana Hema Taylor, Colin Moy
:: Runtime: 94 minutes
:: Rating: R16 - contains violence, offensive language, drug use & sex scenes
:: Release Date: May 3, 2012
:: Trailer: Watch here
source: newshub archive
