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Meera Atkinson  Although we have a tendency to laugh at our suburban selves, Australia’s cinematic representations of life in the ‘burbs are almost as diverse as the people who live there.
The Castle (Working Dog, 1997) is the quintessential and celebrated filmic ode to the suburbs. The comic tale of the Kerrigan family, and their David and Goliath struggle to hang on to their home in the face of government developers, captures what we Australians most love about ourselves — our infamous anti-authoritarian streak — with affection, pathos, candour and humour. Though The Castle has its dark side, other films concern themselves more directly with the suburban shadows. In the black comedy, Bliss (New South Wales Film Corp, 1985), based on the Peter Carey novel of the name same, Harry Joy has a heart attack and wakes up to find himself jolted out of denial and living in suburban hell. Nonetheless, if Harry Joy thinks his world is problematic, he should visit out-of-control Katrina in Suburban Mayhem (AFFC, 2006) as she uses dim-witted men, neglects her child, and plans the murder of her father. An ambitious film that aims to be energetic, smart and edgy, Suburban Mayhem is undermined by a tendency to be mean-spirited and contrived. By contrast, The Boys (Arenafilm, 1998) is a film that nails its powerful portrayal of suburban dysfunction with bone-chilling authenticity. With excellent turns by David Wenham and Toni Collette, The Boys, which was rumoured to be inspired by the Anita Cobby case, is about three brothers heading towards an act of unspeakable violence.  Based on Christos Tsiolkas’ novel, Loaded, the bold Head On (AFFC, 1998), tracks the angst of a young, gay Greek man in Melbourne, as he searches for relief from his inner turmoil.
Also loosely exploring multiculturalism is Baz Luhrmann’s satirical Strictly Ballroom (M&A, 1992), when Paul Mecurio’s white bread Scott Hastings dances up a storm with Spanish wallflower, Fran. Two Hands (CML Films, 1999) and Gettin’ Square (Squared Productions, 2003) both follow the adventures of criminals living in inner-city suburbs, to memorable effect. Few scenes in Australian film rival for comic genius the one inGettin’ Square in which David Wenham’s chronic junkie, Johnny Spitieri, interrupts his court hearing to ask the judge to lend him his bus fare home. However, some argue that the Australian suburbs manifest most notably in television. Now in its 22nd year, and the springboard of countless careers, Neighbours is the longest-running drama series on Australian television; virtually an institution. With a dedicated local audience it also airs in over 65 countries to120-million global viewers. With a website hawking merchandise including Kath & Kim aprons, oven mitts and toilet seat covers, the foxy ladies of Fountain Lakes have spawned an empire with a devoted following at home and an international cult fan base. It was announced in 2006 that a US version of the series, with Gina Riley and Jane Turner as executive producers, would be produced and screened later this year. Go figure.
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