Traditional comedies aimed at family entertainment, offering wholesome humor within the bounds of decency. The Castle, an Australian film by Rob Sitch, does a fine job on employing these standards and values in a comedy for families.
Seasoned Australian TV and movie star Michael Caton leads the story as Darryl Kerrigan whose house is marked for compulsory acquisition by the local government as part of a plan for the expansion of the nearby airport. Kerrigan refuses to accept any offer on his house as well as the idea that government has the right to force him out of his family home – his castle. The family stays anchored and cool-headed as Darryl fights his case in the court of law.
The Castle is a comedy of smiles more than laughter and the humor is folded in layers of simple, realistic family banter segueing neatly into legal drama. Exaggeration and hyperbole are not the key ingredients in this recipe; it’s more a play of mannerism and tone of the characters that give the viewer a grin.
In the tradition of good old comedies, The Castle builds a case for flexibility and consideration in matters of belongingness. Kerrigan’s battle to save his castle is everyman’s battle to be seen and heard with an open heart and open mind in state institutions. Queen’s Counsel Lawrence Hammill Q.C. (played by Charles “Bud” Tingwell) represents the good side of humanity that balances reason with empathy. His pro bono representation of Kerrigan adds to the story’s substance and point.
For trivia of interest, Eric Bana made his debut in this movie, playing the husband of Kerrigan’s daughter Tracey (Sophie Lee). And against its small budget of under $800,000, the movie collected over $10 million, which goes to show that good filmmaking isn’t necessarily about spending more money but harvesting the best talent and creativity.
