Take a deep 'Breath'... there's a new Tim Winton book-to-screen adaptation out
'Breath' tells the story of two teenage boys who, hungry for discovery, form an unlikely friendship with a mysterious older adventurer who pushes them to take risks that will have a lasting and profound impact on their lives. This film debuts Simon Baker’s directorial debut and is a valiant enough first effort by the actor turned director.
Baker was reportedly involved in almost every element of production, other credits including actor, screenwriter, and producer. The scenery is breathtaking, as much of the Western Australian scenery is, with the surf sequences very well put together and draws the view in, and these moments are about the only good the film has. 'Breath' never quite achieves the heights of the praise it’s received up until now. There is very little character relatability for the audience to relish, appearing as little more than cliche characterisations: a boy coming of age; the crazy friend; the mentor; the stereotypical parents; and the high school girlfriend. However, this is a common trope by author Tim Winton - the writer of the novel this film is based on.
The film plays like the same old story we've heard from Winton before, only this time with different characters and a new setting.
'Breath', unfortunately, cements the trend of disappointing Australian films of late. The film has all the makings of a good production; however, fails so badly in the final stretch that it falters a dramatic shift which changes the tone entirely.
While some may acknowledge Winton and this film for touching upon the real language and authentic culture he wants to portray, it’s very confronting and more often than not, off-putting for the audience. This is especially true in relation to the graphic exploits of the central characters, ostracising the audience and making it a less-accessible film. What these elements do is fail to depict the expected multi-layered world of the story. 'Breath' is very 'surface level' and barely attempts to understand humanity in all its complexities and facets. Humans are more than sexual desire. We are about connection and relationship and identity and so many other things, yet the film annoyingly boils it all down to this sexual intimacy. So many scenes could have prospered if rearranged to create an understandable, more tangible story… Who are we kidding? This is a Tim Winton novel - an author that many Australian students and teachers alike wish wasn’t part of the curriculum.
While the production values of the film are top notch, as the story continues, it becomes more damaging unto itself. As much as we’d like to support local Australian films and talent, we suggest skipping 'Breath'.
