Sunday 23 August 2015

I've Just Seen: Careful, He Might Hear You (1983)

Careful, He Might Hear You (1983)

http://www.boyactors.org.uk/posters/857.jpg
Director: Carl Schultz

This is one of those films where the main character is a child, yet it is not a 'family film.' It is not full of violence or sex, but rather the themes of parental guilt, sibling rivalry and complicated adult relationships would go over a child's head. 'PS', the main character's nickname, is practically orphaned and lives with an aunt who is just above poverty (the story is set in the Great Depression, where almost everyone was poor). His life changes when his other aunt, the sophisicated Vanessa, comes to Australia, and seeks to better his life.

The plot could very easily have focused on the relationship of Vanessa and Lila, with PS' character only in the background. However, almost everything that happens is filtered through PS' perspective. He hears things that he shouldn't, and ends up coming to resent the actions of Vanessa. The story truly lies in their complicated relationship.

The performances are all quite good. Nicholas Gledhill, who plays PS, is pretty good with his facial expressions, though sometimes his talking is a bit strained. But hey, he was very young when he did this, and it is one of the better child performances. Definitely worth a watch. 

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