They are familiar lines from classic Australian film comedies that have become part of national vernacular: “That’ll do, pig”, “Tell him he’s dreaming”, “You’re terrible, Muriel.” But even now, decades after Babe , The Castle and Muriel’s Wedding became hits, the head of the country’s screen producers’ association, Matt Deaner, declared that Australian filmmakers should be making more comedies. “I don’t think we laugh enough,” he said.
“I don’t think Australian cinema has looked at our rich tapestry of humour. I think we’re a very joyful people and that should be better reflected on screen.” From Priscilla to Crocodile Dundee, Crackerjack, The Castle and Babe, Australia has produced some classic comedies.
Credit: Monique Westermann It was a comment, at the Adelaide Film Festival, that was quickly followed by news that Crocodile Dundee - what’s being called “a 4K Encore Cut” with “considered edits” - is getting another cinema release next year after a new documentary about its making. The comedy that made Paul Hogan an international star was released 38 years ago, four years before Margot Robbie, who drove the global smash comedy Barbie last year, was even born. Astonishingly, it is still easily the highest-grossing Australian film (taking $47.
7 million) in our cinemas. Also in the top 10 are Babe , Happy Feet , Peter Rabbit and Crocodile Dundee 2 . And not far behind are Peter Rabbit 2 , Strictly Ballroom , The Dish , The Advent.