Petersen (film)
| Industry | Film production |
|---|---|
| Founder | Tim Burstall (intended director) |
| Products | Films including Petersen |
Petersen is a 1974 Australian drama film directed by Tim Burstall.
Achieving commercial success, the movie was widely released in the UK and US under the title Jock Petersen. It presents a critical examination of Australian society during the early 1970s and is recognized as a significant social drama within the Australian film resurgence. Esteemed filmmaker Stanley Kubrick commended Burstall's direction as well as Jack Thompson's leading role. Thompson received the Hoyts Prize for Best Performance at the 1975 AFI Awards, cementing his status as a prominent figure in Australian cinema.
Plot
Tony Petersen, once a football star and currently an electrical tradesman, is pursuing an arts degree in English at the University of Melbourne. Although married to Susie, he engages in an affair with his married lecturer, Trish Kent, and also briefly becomes involved with a fellow student, Moira, during a campus protest. After Trish's husband Charles causes Tony to fail his exams, Trish departs for Oxford. Subsequently, Petersen assaults Trish and reverts to his former lifestyle.
Cast
- Jack Thompson as Tony Petersen
- Jacki Weaver as Susie Petersen
- Wendy Hughes as Dr. Patricia 'Trish' Kent
- Belinda Giblin as Moira
- Arthur Dignam as Prof. Charles Kent
- Charles "Bud" Tingwell as Reverend Petersen
- Helen Morse as Jane
- John Ewart as Peter
- David Phillips as Heinz
- Christine Amor as Annie
- Sheila Florance as Tony's Mother
- Sandy Macgregor as Marg
- Joey Hohenfels as Debbie
- Amanda Hunt as Carol
- George Mallaby as executive
- Anne Scott-Pendlebury as Peggy
- Dina Mann as Robyin
- Sandy Gore as suburban housewife
Production
Burstall intended Petersen to be Hexagon Productions' inaugural film and initially commissioned David Williamson to write the script, which was first titled Sittin' and Tony Petersen. However, due to Williamson's limited availability, Hexagon prioritized producing two Alvin Purple films instead.
Burstall noted that Graham Burke from Hexagon was hesitant to finance Petersen initially, leading him to seek support from the Australian Film Development Corporation. After their refusal, Hexagon ultimately agreed to back the project, which also carried the working title Campus. Jack Thompson was paid $1,000 weekly for his performance. This film marked Wendy Hughes' debut; she later reflected on her feelings of uncertainty throughout the shoot.
Reception
Although critics were largely unfavorable, Petersen earned $1,363,000 at the Australian box office—equivalent to around $9.2 million in 2009 currency. Burstall reported a profit of $70,000 solely from its Australian run. The film's distribution extended to both US and UK audiences, significantly boosting Jack Thompson’s career.
Home media
Umbrella Entertainment released Petersen on DVD in October 2016.
| Title | Format | Episodes | Discs/Tapes | Region 4 (Australia) | Special Features | Distributors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petersen | DVD | Film | 1 | 5 October 2016 | Interviews featuring Alan Finney, David Williamson, Robin Copping, Wendy Hughes, Jack Thompson and Jacki Weaver
Photo Gallery Theatrical Trailer |
Umbrella Entertainment |
See also
References
External links
- Petersen featured on Australian Screen
- Petersen listed at Oz Movies