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The Black Balloon (2007)

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clip A boy’s worst nightmare

Original classification rating: M. This clip chosen to be M

Clip description

Jackie (Gemma Ward) asks Thomas (Rhys Wakefield) to walk home after school, just as Charlie (Luke Ford) arrives on the bus from his school. Thomas introduces her to his brother, who wants to carry her bag. As they walk, Charlie rummages in the bag and finds a tampon – which he places between his teeth. Thomas chases him and returns the tampon to Jackie, who surprises him with her response.

Curator’s notes

by Paul Byrnes

The film’s lack of squeamishness is one of its best features. It’s prepared to go where few films have gone before – but most of the embarrassing incidents are drawn from Elissa Down’s own experiences. It’s partly a coming-of-age movie, but the presence of a brother like Charlie prevents it from becoming too conventional or predictable. Thomas feels neglected in his own family because Charlie soaks up all of the attention of his parents; Thomas wants his own space and the chance to be the centre of his own drama – the drama of growing up – but his brother’s presence always denies him that sense of defiant isolation. He can’t even rebel against his parents, because there’s no room in the family for more drama. It’s an interesting way to dramatise the problems of growing up – to deny Thomas his chance to become self-obsessed, like a ‘normal’ teenager.

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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.

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  • You may embed the clip for non-commercial educational purposes including for use on a school intranet site or a school resource catalogue.
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