BURNING MAN – DVD RELEASE

Bojana Novakovic in Teplkizky’s BURNING MAN

BURNING MAN. the latest film from Jonathan Teplitzky (BETTER THAN SEX, GETTIN’ SQUARE) is a reckless, haunting, funny, life-affirming love story, all of which is reflected in the film’s opening short scenes: a lovely empty garden, a car crash, a woman crying, a world in flames. Intriguing and slightly bewildering, the potency and beauty of this opening sequence raises questions and yet still portends answers.

The device of keeping the audience off balance is absolutely right for this film for when we finally discover the true spine of the story. When we meet Tom, it’s clear he is a good man, behaving badly. He’s the principal chef at a casually chic restaurant (where he doesn’t respond well to criticism from the clientele), a devoted, if mercurial father to eight year old Oscar, and a man more attractive to women (lots of them) than he is to himself.

Whatever is going on with Tom, his actions seem to be tolerated by those around him. Everything comes to a head when he prepares a party for his son in a beachside park. His anger erupts and he finds himself in police custody. Not much of a birthday for Oscar.

The films artistry and finesse has attracted a wonderful cast. As Tom, Matthew Goode shows just how good an actor he is, treading that fine line between despicable and likeable. He is the central character, but he wouldn’t shine at all without the brilliant satellite performances he reflects from Bojana Novakovic, Rachel Griffiths, Essie Davis, Kerry Fox, Kate Beahan, Marta Dusseldorp,and Gia Carides. These women, in very different ways, ignite, inflame, quell and calm the burning man.

Winner of the Awgie for Best Original Screenplay, BURNING MAN is a smoking, sizzling, sexy experience.

The DVD/Blu- ray release contains audio commentary with writer director Jonathan Teplitzky and a featurette ‘Inside Burning Man’.

Tags” BURNING MAN, Jonathon Teplitzy, Matthew Goode, Bojana Novakovic, Rachel Griffiths, Essie Davis, Kerry Fox, Kate Beahan, Marta Dusseldorp,and Gia Carides, DVD/Blu-ray release.