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Travelling Light is writer-director Kathryn Millard’s follow-up to her short feature Parklands (Cate Blanchett’s first film lead). What distinguishes it from the usual tale of coming-of-age in dull, repressive suburbia is its perceptive insight into depression. It’s run rampant and unchecked through three generations of Leanne’s family, and it hangs like a heavy cloud over the scenes in the Ferris household.

There are a lot of moments in Travelling Light that ring refreshingly true. The secretive rapport between two sisters, united against their obsessively cautious parents (Heather Mitchell and Marshall Napier). Simon Burke’s impression of an Australian light entertainment television presenter and variety performer is uncannily accurate (the video montage to his song is worth the price of admission alone). Leanne’s disastrous first practical experience as a teacher is as recognisable and funny as Bronwyn’s slow suffocation in her claustrophobic marital home is sad.

Millard uses a lot of flat, open locations, stillness and bright light to suggest the incessant heat and boredom. The arrival of Lou is obviously supposed to incite tension amongst the community. Unfortunately, Brett Stiller doesn’t seem charismatic enough to justify his following. The explanation for why such a character would even visit Adelaide is too late in coming, so credulity is painfully stretched. A more provocative, wildfire presence would have given the film the jolt it needed to shake off the torpor of the slackened scenes and provide more contrast with the quieter moments.

The casting is otherwise strong. Ultimately, Travelling Light is commendable for its sensitive handling of a mental illness theme, and optimistic and hopeful treatment of what could otherwise have been a depressing story.

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originally posted: 09/23/03 07:54:29
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