Beneath Hill 60

Beneath Hill 60 (4.0/5)

(Director: Jeremy Sims. Cast: Brendan Cowell, Gyton Grantley, Aden Young, Jacqueline Mackenzie, Anthony Hayes, Steve Le Marquand)

Regent Cinema, Brisbane

19^th April 2010

Slow and intense, this 1916 war movie follows a group of Australian miners tunnelling beneath enemy lines to plant a huge bomb. With no pace and no heroics the focus is very much on the story, the actors and the situation – and it’s almost magnificent. Not quite achieving the strength of Das Boat or the characterisations of Letters from Iwo Jima as a claustrophobic war movie Hill 60 is nonetheless an absorbing story well told.

Hats – an anthology by Stephen Jones

Hats – an anthology by Stephen Jones (3.0/5)

Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane

27^th March- 27^th June 2010

A beautiful collection of unique millinery old and new displayed with a hint of mystery in a cloister like environment – yet so unoriginally labelled one cries out for knowledge. What was the inspiration for such splendid craftsmanship? Tell us more than name, designer and materials. Worth seeing if in Brisbane, but may be read the catalogue first.

Archibald, Sulman & Wynne Prizes

Archibald, Sulman & Wynne Prizes (3.5/5)

Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney

27^th March – 30^th May 2010

A strong collection this year and no dispute about the winners, though the Sulman suffers from a lack of imagination. Cleverly hung so that the one moves from traditional to contemporary approaches. Linger over the portraits, enjoy the landscapes and move smartly past the Sulman variety show.