Pictures video

 Pictures still


Pictures - 1981




Pacific Films - 88 min.

Cast: Kevin J. Wilson, Peter Vere-Jones, Helen Moulder, Elizabeth Coulter, Terence Bayler, Matiu Mareikuira, Ken Blackburn.
Screenplay: Robert Lord, John O'Shea; Photography: Rory O'Shea; Editor: John Kiley; Music: Jan Preston; Producer: John O'Shea; Director: Michael Black.
Walter Burton's realistic photographs depicting poor treatment of Maori prisoners are rejected by late 19th century government officials. Walter is condemned to making a living from everyday studio work, the frustration of which is apparently quite sufficient to make him a drunk. His brother Alfred is happy to take the photos that the officials want and therefore gets the commissions. Alfred's photos are well received, but when Walter shows his own photos, toughs are sent around to smash up his plates. Not a great film, but some great location settings.

Censor Rating: G - Review Rating: C+


AVAILABILITY OF VHS OR DVD COPIES

New PAL copies will cost about $50nz. No known sources for NTSC copies. No known DVDs.


SOUNDTRACK ON AUDIO CD

There are no known soundtrack CDs of this title.


REVIEWS

Time Out Review

Four Word Film Review

New Zealand Film Commission Synopsis

New Zealand Film Archive Info and Reviews

Sequence Review

"The reassessment of national history is never an easy task, especially a history as clouded with noble self-deception as that of the colonisation of New Zealand. All credit then, to Pictures for tackling the subject, and for bringing to its reassessment a remarkable clarity and a considerable complexity of perspective" - (Nick Roddick, "Pictures", Monthly Film Bulletin, BFI, October 1982)

"Pictures is deliberately quiet, from the significant piano score of Jan Preston, to the effect created by the choice of a formal acting mode. The prim style proves apt. Michael Black's sensitivity in his direction of actors and actresses is a strong plus among the film's assets, along with an economical screenplay, a scrupulous choice of props, and settings. The problem remaining is in determining why the rest of the filmmaking skills do not work toward a united purpose" - (Gilbert Peterson, "Pictures lacks dramatic touch", The Dominion, June 6, 1983)

TRAILER & AWARDS

Official Trailer

1981 - Moscow Film Festival - Press Award for Humanism
1982 - Asian Film Festival (Kuala Lumpur) - Best Music (Jan Preston) and Editing (John Kiley).


Alphabetical List * Chronological List * News * Soundtracks * Buy-Sell-Rent * DVD List

What is A New Zealand Feature Film * First Choices * Books * Misc * Links * Directors


Comments, suggestions or questions are welcomed at info@nospamnzvideos.org, but delete the nospam portion before sending