Cast
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Graham Kennedy
as Harry
John Hargreaves
as Bung
John Jarratt
as Bill
Bryan Brown
as Rogers
Graeme Blundell
as Dawson
Richard Moir
as Medic
Peter Drouyn
as Sergeant Johnson
Ian Gilmour
as Scott
Graham Rouse
as The Cook
Tony Barry
as Black Ronnie
John Allen
as Lieut. Golonka
Brandon Burke
as Isaacs
John Fitzgerald
as Intelligence Corporal
Mike Harris
as Sergeant Major
Johnny Garfield
as Padre
Crew
Director
- Tom Jeffrey
Producer
- Sue Milliken
- Tom Jeffrey
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane War/Action/Comedy film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Odd Angry Shot distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Tom Jeffrey brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Odd Angry Shot took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.6 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1815 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 321 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Odd Angry Shot shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Faith of My Fathers, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Odd Angry Shot subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Through My Window: Across the Sea and Foxfire explore similar territory, The Odd Angry Shot stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 1, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Budget: $600,000
