Australian
Screen

an NFSA website

Men’s Group (2008)

play
clip ‘You take the minutes, do ya?’

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

Clip description

In the first meeting, Alex (Grant Dodwell) sees Freddy (Steve Rodgers) writing and asks if he’s taking the minutes. Freddy explains that he likes to write down things he’s observed as potential material for his stand-up comedy act. Cecil (Don Reid), Lucas (Steve Le Marquand), Moses (Paul Tassone) and Alex introduce themselves to each other in turn, displaying differing levels of commitment and enthusiasm for the group.

Curator’s notes

This scene methodically introduces the five main characters to the viewer through their introductions to each other. An awkward mood is quickly established. Obviously none of these men have previously met and they appear to share little in common besides their gender. Their commitment to the group varies from mild curiosity to indifference and barely disguised hostility.

Note the use of costume, hairstyle and facial hair to mark out the differences between the men and provide character clues – Freddy’s perky baseball cap and casual clothing, Alex’s long, scruffy hair, Lucas’s executive suit, Moses’s formidable beard and woolly beanie (giving a sense that he’s hiding) and Cecil’s gentlemanly bow tie.