Question: How did the critical reception of 2000 Weeks impact the future direction of Tim Burstall's career?
The critical reception of 2000 Weeks was mixed, particularly in Australia where it encountered substantial backlash from prominent critics. This negative feedback profoundly affected Tim Burstall, steering him towards a more commercial path in subsequent projects. He recognized the need to balance personal artistry with audience appeal, leading to his successful ventures such as Stork and Alvin Purple. The lesson learned from the reception of 2000 Weeks played a critical role in shaping Burstall’s strategy in making films that were not only thought-provoking but also accessible to a broader audience.
Question: What existential questions does the film 2000 Weeks raise about time and personal choices?
2000 Weeks explores the profound theme of mortality by posing challenging existential questions. The protagonist, Will, is confronted with the reality of his limited lifespan, which he calculates to be about two thousand weeks. This numeric framing of life forces viewers to reflect on how they prioritize relationships and career aspirations. Will's struggle to decide between his wife and mistress mirrors the universal human experience of facing competing desires and obligations, making us question what investments we make in our personal lives before time runs out.
Question: What innovative promotional strategies were employed to market 2000 Weeks?
To market 2000 Weeks, the filmmakers utilized a unique approach by creating a 'photo novel,' which included stills from the film combined with narrative elements. This innovative tie-in, published in late 1968, served as a visual companion to the movie, allowing audiences to engage with the story before its release. Additionally, a jazz album composed by Don Burrows specifically for the film's score highlighted its cultural significance. The collaboration with Columbia Pictures helped bolster these marketing efforts, although the film still faced challenges in garnering distribution support from local exhibitors.
Question: How did Tim Burstall's vision influence the filmmaking process of 2000 Weeks?
Tim Burstall's vision for 2000 Weeks was to create a film that could resonate within the international art-house market. His experience in making short films and TV series through his company, Eltham Films, laid the groundwork for his ambitious approach to storytelling. This film was not just a project; it was autobiographical and reflected Burstall's own struggles with artistry and identity. He sought to address substantial themes with a personal touch, infusing the narrative with his introspective style, which ultimately shaped the overall direction and aesthetic of the film.
Question: What notable performances can be highlighted in 2000 Weeks, particularly by the lead actor?
Mark McManus, who played the lead role of Will Gardiner, delivered a performance that encapsulates the film's tension between personal conflict and societal expectations. His portrayal of a writer at a crossroads showcases a range of emotions from anguish to determination. Additionally, Jeanie Drynan as Jacky Lewis brought a nuanced layer to the love triangle dynamic, making audiences empathize with her character's desires. The casting choices not only spotlighted the talent of the actors but also aligned well with the film's themes of complex relationships and life choices.
Question: Who were the main cast members in 2000 Weeks and their roles?
The film featured notable performances by Mark McManus as Will Gardiner, who is caught in a tumultuous emotional conflict. Jeanie Drynan played Jacky Lewis, Will's mistress, while Eileen Chapman portrayed Sarah Gardiner, his wife. Other pivotal roles included David Turnbull as Noel Oakshot, and Michael Duffield as Will's father, contributing to the film's intricate exploration of personal relationships.
Question: What were the challenges faced during the release of 2000 Weeks?
The release of 2000 Weeks was fraught with difficulties, notably taking seven months for release after completion. Tim Burstall attributed this delay to the reluctance of Australian exhibitors to showcase local films. Columbia Pictures was secured as the distributor, agreeing to share marketing costs, but the film faced a lack of enthusiasm from Australian audiences upon its premiere, reflecting the broader sentiment towards local productions at the time.
Question: How was the production of 2000 Weeks financed and what was its production timeline?
2000 Weeks was produced by Eltham Film Productions, founded by Tim Burstall and Patrick Ryan, in collaboration with Senior Film Productions, a reputable company in Melbourne known for commercials. The film's budget was approximately $100,000, financed with 45% from Eltham Films, another 45% from Senior Films, and 10% from Peter Lord at Victorian Film Laboratories. Filming commenced on January 2, 1968, and was completed within eleven weeks, involving a dedicated crew of fourteen.
Question: What is the central theme and premise of the film 2000 Weeks?
2000 Weeks, directed by Tim Burstall, revolves around the life of Will, a writer in his thirties, faced with a personal and professional crisis. The film explores his struggles to choose between his wife and mistress as he grapples with his sense of achievement in life. The title '2000 Weeks' refers to Will's reconsideration of his life, calculating that he has only two thousand weeks left to achieve the success he desires, which symbolizes a sobering realization of the finite nature of time and ambition.
Question: How was 2000 Weeks received both in Australia and internationally?
Critically, 2000 Weeks faced a harsh reception in Australia, receiving negative reviews from prominent critics such as Colin Bennett of The Age, and was poorly received at local film festivals. Contrastingly, it garnered a better reception abroad, which led Burstall to rethink his approach to filmmaking. This experience propelled him towards more commercially viable projects in his later career. Despite its struggles, the film was entered in the 6th Moscow International Film Festival, highlighting its international significance.