Blue Murder
"The original 'The Shield'" - Edwin Samuelson, dvdmaniacs.net
In 1995, Blue Murder - the most controversial series ever produced for Australian television - exploded into TV screens down under with such incendiary force that it was banned from being broadcast in the state where the events took place, New South Whales, for six years. This was due to ongoing legal proceedings involving several key figures depicted in the photoplay. Often referred to as an Aussie Godfather, it was, more accurately, "Goodfellas Down Under" with the goodfellas being cops.
The attempted, bloody murder of a "blue" (insider speak for "cop") is the dramatic lynchpin of this epic police corruption that follows the booze-riddled, unlikely partnership of decorated copper Roger "The Dodger" Rogerson (Richard Roxburgh) and career criminal Arthur "Neddy" Smith (Tony Martin) after Roger gives Neddy "the green light" to rob, steal and beat his way through Sydney's underworld in the '80s.
Directed with gritty realism (many scenes were shot on the actual locations) by one of Australia's most celebrated directors, Mike Jenkins, Blue Murder is a landmark Australian drama that has not been bettered on television or on the big screen.
Impeccably researched and written by Ian David, the central performance by Richard Roxburgh, (Moulin Rouge) is a revelation and won the actor Australia's highest critical accolades. Tony Martin, mesmerizing as Arthur Smith, brings a likable edge to a truly despicable character and actors Bill Hunter, as top cop Black Angus McDonald (Rogerson's protector) and Steve Bastoni (as straight "blue" Michael Drury) are outstanding.
- Mark Savage, Filmmaker (Defenseless, S.N.A.K.)
Member Reviews
Grim Gripping Realism - Stitch
but tune your ear to the broad Australian dialect. It requires some effort but if you miss a little at the start, don’t sweat it. Or rerun bits, mate. You’ll pick up the story quick enough with a little perseverance.
The screenplay is based on a true case of police corruption in New South Wales. That’s the fundamental plot and I’d suggest you not research further before viewing. Just get attuned to the violence and the extent of malfeasance. Not until the end of the disc is there a hint of what the resolution might possibly be.
It’s not suitable for children because of very explicit brutality. And it has a too realistic feel for a young audience since it's focused with little relief on the depravity in the early episodes. You begin to wonder, are there no good guys? It’s no surprise it was originally banned in its home State and raised a furor throughout the country.
Richard Roxborough is outstanding as villainy beneath a mask of camaraderie. Tony Martin underplays (when appropriate) his criminal collaborator. The very banality of several scenes and supporting performances further our feelings of unease. Diffident interpretation of evil is not the accustomed approach on our screens. And the director periodically merges these more somber sequences with furious action for effective contrast. Interesting treatment.
I reflected a bit on the overall professionalism of the production but wonder if ‘slicker’ might impair the authentic ambience that hooked me. Highly recommended for those of you who enjoy grit and challenges. My Sheila dug it too.
Member Reviews
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Grim Gripping Realism - Stitch
but tune your ear to the broad Australian dialect. It requires some effort but if you miss a little at the start, don’t sweat it. Or rerun bits, mate. You’ll pick up the story quick enough with a little perseverance.
The screenplay is based on a true ...