In early 2011 Screen Australia, the Federal Government agency, which finances the production of Australian films, has announced its intention to support an unusual project - the adaptation of Tim Winton's book "The Turning."
One of the most respected contemporary Australian writers gained popularity among the thinking readers of all ages. His novels and short stories became the fertile ground for the directors and the actors everywhere from the theatrical stages to the radio stations. The resonant production was "That Eye, The Sky" (Burning House Theatre Company, Sydney,1994) with the participation of young David, Hugo Weaving and Richard Roxburgh, It seems that many years later David decided to connect his first and long-waited directorial experience with Tim Winton.
"The Turning" is an intricate interweaving of childhood experiences and the reappraisal of a mature man's view of things in a provincial corner of Western Australia. The book is an anthology of 17 stories, which are intertwined in an intriguing plot around the protagonist - Vic Lang. In 2008 the collection of stories was adapted into a play for the 2008 Perth International Arts Festival... Now the turn of the screen has come.
As much as 18 directors from among the stars of cinema, theater and show business were involved in the production. Everyone of them takes a piece of the unique collage. Everyone of them took a piece of the unique collage. Everyone of them wrote the script and directed one story, which would be harmoniously interwoven into the fabric of the film.
For David this project is the first real opportunity to make his long-cherished dream come true. He got the part under the magic number 13 -
"Commission", the simple and touching story about the reunion of family after a lifetime of separation.
Overcoming the painful memories of childhood, Vic Lang at the request of his dying mother goes to the distant outback to find his father - the old drinker, whom he had not seen for years. Going into this unpleasant journey, Vic could not imagine that it would lead him to radical revision of their complex relationship.
It sounds very interesting and alluring. Aside from the fact that David's fans were saddened at the thought that for the first time they would see David's name in a feature film credits, but wouldn't see him on the screen.
Cast:
Hugo Weaving ... Bob Lang ("Commission")
Josh McConville ... Vic Lang ("Commission")
Susie Porter ... Carol Lang ("On Her Knees")
Miranda Otto ... Sherry ("The Turning")
Rose Byrne ...Raelene ("The Turning")
Cate Blanchett ... Gail Lang ("Reunion")
Richard Roxburgh ... Vic Lang ("Reunion")
Robyn Nevin ... Carol Lang ("Reunion")
Dan Wylie ... Vic Lang ("Reunion")
and others
Director/Scriptwriter: Marieka Walsh, Warwick Thornton, Jub Clerc, Robert Connolly, Rhys Graham, Ashlee Page, Tony Ayres, Claire McCarthy, Stephen Page, Shaun Gladwell, Mia Wasikowska, Simon Stone, David Wenham, Jonathan auf der Heide, Justin Kurzel, Yaron Lifschitz, Ian Meadows.