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Holding the Man (film)

From Alfawiki
Holding the Man
Company typeFilm
IndustryFilm industry
Founded2015
FounderNeil Armfield (director), Tommy Murphy (screenplay)
ProductsRomantic drama film

Holding the Man is a 2015 Australian romantic drama film adapted from the 1995 memoir by Timothy Conigrave. Directed by Neil Armfield, the movie features lead performances by Ryan Corr and Craig Stott, supported by Guy Pearce, Anthony LaPaglia, Sarah Snook, Kerry Fox, and Geoffrey Rush. The screenplay was crafted by playwright Tommy Murphy.

Plot

In 1993, Timothy Conigrave (Ryan Corr) contacts his childhood friend Pepe Trevor (Sarah Snook) from Italy to inquire about his deceased partner John Caleo (Craig Stott). The narrative then shifts back to 1976 at Melbourne’s Xavier College, where Tim and John first meet and begin a romantic relationship amid societal prejudice and familial disapproval.

By 1979, as university students at Monash and activists for gay rights, Tim and John face various personal challenges while nurturing their relationship. Tim’s pursuit of an acting career at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) causes a temporary rift before they come back together.

In 1985, both receive an HIV-positive diagnosis following a medical mistake. The film portrays their journey living with HIV/AIDS through the late 1980s into the early 1990s, including Tim’s anguish over transmitting the virus to John and the effects on their families.

John’s health deteriorates leading to his death in 1992. The story closes with Tim reflecting on their shared life, finishing his memoir shortly before passing away from AIDS at age 34.

A post-credits scene presents an interview snippet of the real Tim Conigrave alongside photographs from their younger years.

Cast


Reception

The movie received favorable critiques, with particular acclaim directed at the dynamic between Craig Stott and Ryan Corr. The Guardian Australia described their performances as "memorable, both tender and strong," underscoring the chemistry that leaves a lasting impression on viewers. The Conversation also emphasized their "palpable" connection, essential for expressing the profound relationship between Conigrave and Caleo. On the review platform Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 81% approval rating based on 22 reviews, with an average score of 6.9/10.

Accolades

Award Category Recipient Result
AACTA Awards
(5th) 		Best Film Kylie Du Fresne Template:Nom
Best Direction Neil Armfield Template:Nom
Best Adapted Screenplay Tommy Murphy Template:Nom
Best Actor in a Leading Role Ryan Corr Template:Nom
Best Supporting Actor Anthony LaPaglia Template:Nom
Best Editing Dany Cooper Template:Nom
ASE Award Best Editing in a Feature Film Dany Cooper Template:Won
AFCA Awards Best Film Kylie Du Fresne Template:Nom
Best Director Neil Armfield Template:Nom
Best Screenplay Tommy Murphy Template:Nom
Best Actor Ryan Corr Template:Won
Best Supporting Actor Anthony LaPaglia Template:Nom
ASSG Award Best Sound Mark Cornish Template:Nom
Nicole Lazaroth Template:Nom
Dan Lustri Template:Nom
AWGIE Awards Best Writing in a Feature Film — Adapted Tommy Murphy Template:Won
FCCA Awards Best Film Kylie Du Fresne Template:Nom
Best Director Neil Armfield Template:Nom
Best Script/Screenplay Tommy Murphy Template:Won
Best Actor Ryan Corr Template:Nom
Best Supporting Actor Anthony LaPaglia Template:Nom
Best Editor Dany Cooper Template:Nom
Best Production Design Josephine Ford Template:Won
Melbourne International Film Festival People's Choice Award for Best Narrative Feature Neil Armfield 2nd place
Screen Producers Australia Best Feature Film Production Kylie Du Fresne Template:Won

External links

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