THE CASTLE: Not just a feel-good comedy

It’s probably an obvious choice when it comes to writing or thinking about an Australian movie, but there’s a reason why The Castle has dug itself deep into the Australian psyche, and I don’t think it’s just because it’s a ‘funny movie’.  The level of satire and observation of the ‘typical Aussie family’ in the film is quite astounding.  It’s impossible to bring it up in conversation without someone exclaiming out loud “This is going straight to the pool room” or to finish a sentence with “It’s just the vibe”. Like a great work of art, or an Olympic athlete, the Castle appears as though it was made effortlessly…the truth is obviously far from this.

The film is well over 10 years old now, having been released in 1997. Yet it’s still as hilarious, insightful and culturally relevant as it was back then. This is largely due to the observational writing by Rob Sitch, Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner and Jane Kennedy (better known as the heads behind production company Working Dog). Every character in this film behaves like someone in our own lives and I believe this is one of the major reasons we still love the film today. Yeah, I say we because The Castle seems to be a favorite of almost everyone I’ve met no matter their age or position in life.

This observational writing no doubt helped all of the cast slip into their roles easily, The Castle is one of the rare cases where every single cast member fits their character and plays it flawlessly.
Steve’s love for the trading post, Darryl’s constant house additions, Sal’s creative experiments, Dale’s observations and Tracey’s love for her father are all everyday traits that have only been slightly embellished.

Michael Caton’s Darryl Kerrigan is the role he will be forever remembered for and although the other cast members deliver stellar performances, it’s Caton who really steals the show and makes it his. When you think of The Castle, you think of Dale Kerrigan standing in his backyard dressed in a bath robe, staring thoughtfully at the power lines nearby (they are a reminder of man’s ability to generate electricity, after all).

Aside from the comedy– which, might I add, always results from character moments and never from cheap laughs– there is another important element to the film that keeps us coming back. Heart.

From the moment The Castle begins we’re shown that the Kerrigans are a loving, happy family.

Dale Kerrigan’s narration lovingly introduces us to all of his family members and although there’s comedy in the way they behave and think, over time we come to love them too. They’re an Australian family that we can relate to.

There are genuinely touching moments in The Castle , and they’re so effective because the team at Working Dog have spent time creating characters who care about each other and don’t simply spout one-liners. We feel the pain of Darryl as he comes to terms with loosing his home. It’s often said that there’s a fine line between comedy and tragedy and although The Castle never dips into melodrama, it slightly nudges our emotions every now and then to remind us that this isn’t just a feel good comedy.

It just feels good to sit down with friends or family and watch The Castle. If a film can leave you feeling uplifted and inspired, then it must be pretty special.

THE CASTLE
92/100