Audiences have had their say to find the top three Aussie films of all time – with classic The Castle topping the list.
The poll was run by Adelaide Film Festival, on from October 10-21. There will be a special school holiday screening of The Castle, directed by Rob Sitch, during the festival.
“I’m so excited that The Castle has topped the poll for ‘Best Australian film of all time’,” says Stephen Curry, who played Dale Kerrigan in the quirky 1997 comedy.
“It’s incredible to think that this little movie that took 11 days to shoot, 22 years ago, in which I wore that gorgeous mullet, still resonates so strongly with audiences today. I’m so proud of my association with this beautiful story.”
Director Rob Sitch, was also excited about topping the list of films.
“That acknowledgement is of course going straight to the pool room… or, if we ever do a sequel… the man cave,” said Sitch.
“It’s worth pointing out that after all these years Darryl has been proved right about 3 Highview Cresent Coolaroo…next year, in real life, it’s getting the NBN!”
Made on a shoestring by director Sitch and his collaborators at Working Dog Productions, The Castle was an instant smash hit and tells the story of the Kerrigan family’s fight to save their home from being demolished for an airport expansion.
It starred Michael Caton as Darryl Kerrigan and Anne Tenney as his wife Sal and is loved for many quotes from its screenplay.
“Tell him he’s dreaming,” “so much serenity,” “it’s the vibe of the thing” and, of course, “straight to the poolroom” have since firmly lodged themselves in the Aussie vernacular.
Over 450 films were voted for but with Aussie classics Muriel’s Wedding and Samson & Delilah, taking out second and third place respectively.
There will be a special sing-a-long screening of Muriel’s Wedding while Samson & Delilah director Warwick Thornton will also be giving a special introduction to his film in a screening during the festival.
See The Castle at GU Film House Adelaide, October 11, 5.15. Tickets $10. Click HERE for tickets.
THE TOP TEN AUSSIE FILMS
1 The Castle 1997
2 Muriel’s Wedding 1994
3 Samson and Delilah 2009
4 Rabbit-Proof Fence 2002
5 The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert 1993
6 Gallipoli 1981
7 Wake In Fright 1971
8 Picnic At Hanging Rock 1975
9 Lantana 2000
10 Strictly Ballroom 1991
- CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL TOP 100 LIST