Turtle Beach (film)

Turtle Beach
Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	1992
Founder	Stephen Wallace (director), Ann Turner (screenwriter)
Products	Film

Turtle Beach, also referred to as The Killing Beach, is an Australian motion picture from 1992, directed by Stephen Wallace and featuring performances by Greta Scacchi and Joan Chen. The script, penned by Ann Turner, draws from the 1981 novel authored by Blanche d'Alpuget. The film generated controversy in Malaysia because of its portrayal of Malaysians executing refugees.

Premise

Judith, an Australian photojournalist, departs from her family to cover the situation of Vietnamese boat people housed in a refugee camp in Malaysia. There, she forms a friendship with Minou, a Vietnamese prostitute married to a diplomat, and together they reveal the severe hardships endured by the refugees.

Cast

Greta Scacchi portraying Judith
Joan Chen as Minou
Jack Thompson in the role of Ralph
Art Malik playing Kanan
Norman Kaye as Hobday
Victoria Longley cast as Sancha
Martin Jacobs acting as Richard
George Whaley as Bill
William McInnes in the role of Minder
Sean Scully as Businessman #1

Production

While working with Roadshow, Ann Turner adapted the novel but observed that the project became diluted due to competing creative influences:

“Numerous conflicting opinions emerged... American financing and several producers each had their own vision. Greta Scacchi defended the original screenplay, yet an American rewrite altered its tone significantly. I was summoned to Thailand for another rewrite, resulting in a blend of both scripts.”

Partial funding came from investors involved with Blood Oath, and Stephen Wallace was appointed director. He voiced dissatisfaction with both the script’s quality and producer meddling:

“My intention was to create a film highlighting Asia’s misinterpretation in Australia, but producers wanted something akin to Pretty Woman. I struggled to maintain authentic casting and gritty environments. Important scenes like the beach massacre were changed contrary to my direction. Ultimately, I lost creative control.”

The Australian Film Finance Corporation contributed $5,248,857 towards production.

Although Wallace completed his version, he was later dismissed and extra footage was shot:

“In hindsight, I should have removed my name... it’s the only film I’ve made that brings me shame... Matt Carroll ended up making it.”

Release

Turtle Beach earned $359,881 domestically in Australia and $778,535 in the U.S. Following this project, Stephen Wallace has not directed another feature film, citing this experience as detrimental to his career.

Ozmovies labeled the film both a commercial flop and critical disappointment, mentioning that some critics mockingly called it "Turkey Beach." Despite obtaining theatrical distribution and generating some income, it failed to meet expectations given its budget, cast profile, and associated controversies.

Soundtrack

"Rock-A-Beatin' Boogie" performed by Bill Haley
"Fly Away" performed by Simone Dee
"Come on Boys" performed by Simone Dee

Critical reception

Chris Hicks from Deseret News condemned the movie for its overly dramatic approach and simplistic dialogue, describing it as a shallow soap opera that squandered the abilities of its leading actors despite addressing the compelling issue of Vietnamese boat people’s plight.

External links

Turtle Beach on Ozmovies