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Title: Holy Smoke (1999)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Kate Winslet | ... | ||
| Harvey Keitel | ... | ||
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Julie Hamilton | ... |
Mum
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Sophie Lee | ... |
Yvonne
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| Dan Wyllie | ... |
Robbie
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| Paul Goddard | ... |
Tim
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Tim Robertson | ... |
Dad
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George Rafael | ... |
Yani
(as George Mangos)
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Kerry Walker | ... |
Puss
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Les Dayman | ... |
Bill-Bill
(as Leslie Dayman)
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Samantha Murray | ... |
Prue
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| Sandy Gutman | ... |
Stan
(as Austen Tayshus)
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Simon Anderson | ... |
Fabio
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| Pam Grier | ... | ||
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Eva Martin | ... |
Devotee
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While on a journey of discovery in exotic India, beautiful young Ruth Barron falls under the influence of a charismatic religious guru. Her desperate parents then hire PJ Waters, a macho cult de-programmer who confronts Ruth in a remote desert hideaway. But PJ quickly learns that he's met his match in the sexy, intelligent and iron-willed Ruth! Written by Anonymous
I chose to see Holy Smoke as I've yet to be disappointed by Jane Campion, Harvey Keitel or Kate Winslet. That hasn't changed. The Campion sisters have written a clever, funny and subtle story of how badly a family can bungle their response when their religion of choice is passed over by one of their own in favour of something they find a little too exotic and scary.
It has discreet moments of parody for observant viewers that shows up the shallowness of valuing one faith tradition over another. On the surface it's a hugely funny portrait of a hypocritical conservative family's farcical efforts to cling to normality when Winslet's character begins to branch out.
Look below the surface of the superb performances (especially Winslet and Keitel) and there are some wry observations about religious bigotry and parental disrespect. Winslet and Keitel bring their usual innate honesty and chutzpah to their roles, creating an intense sexual chemistry that is always under their total control.
While Winslet's is by far the most accurate Australian accent I've heard from a British actor, watch out for Sophie Lee, a very funny genuine article who I hope we'll see again soon. My only criticism is that Pam Grier was not allowed more involvement. I would have liked to have see her role developed far more.
Jane Campion's direction is refreshing as always. She gives us the intense, beautiful harshness of the vast Australian outback as well as zooming in on each character's frailties.
This film seems to have polarised opinions for some reason. Perhaps the subject matter has touched a few nerves or maybe some people have expected a different film. Go with an open mind and you may see the power and subtleties of this film.