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The Boys (1998)

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clip Sandra visits her son in jail education content clip 1

Original classification rating: MA. This clip chosen to be PG

Clip description

In one of the film’s flashes forward, Sandra Sprague (Lynette Curran) visits her son Brett (David Wenham) in his prison cell. He is upset when she comes alone. He had asked her to bring Michelle, his girlfriend, but she wants nothing to do with him. When Sandra becomes emotional, he suggests she come back when she’s less upset. Sandra says she doesn’t think she will be coming again. As she leaves, Brett calls her back, but she keeps going.

Curator’s notes

The stillness of the scene contrasts with the movement in the scenes shot in the house. Lynette Curran’s heartbreaking performance, one of the best of her career, gives a terrible sense of her confusion, loss and guilt. The tension between her and Brett, which he is unable to resolve with violence, is one of the great mysteries of the film. She is quite possibly the only woman he has ever felt love for – but it’s mixed with contempt and great reserves of unresolved anger. She gets the only resolution possible at this moment – a decision to cut herself off from her first-born son.

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australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.

All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions. All rights are reserved.

When you access australianscreen you agree that:

  • You may retrieve materials for information only.
  • Where permitted, you may embed materials for your personal or non-commercial educational use only.
  • The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.

ANY UNAUTHORISED USE OF MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY RESULT IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITY.

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