Review: The Insatiable Moon

An article by Drew    4 Comments

Saturday July 17th saw the world premiere of THE INSATIABLE MOON – a kiwi film written/co-produced by Mike Riddell and directed by his wife Rosemary Riddell. They’ve created a deeply emotive movie and when you consider the difficulties they overcame you realize what a remarkable achievement it is.

Mike’s novel – published in 1997 – is outstanding and controversial. It was based on his experiences working with psych patients in halfway houses while he was the minister at Ponsonby Baptist; in particular a big Maori called Arthur who believed himself to be the next son of God. The novel cost Mike his position at Carey theological college but gave him freedom and impetus to teach, write, travel and begin the saga of bringing The Insatiable Moon to the big screen.

The strengths of the novel attracted several potential producers but for over a decade little progress was made. Finally a deal was struck with UK producers and the NZ Film Commission. A top line director was chosen and famous actors were approached but then, unexpectedly, the Commission pulled out and the major funding was gone. Apparently the Commission failed to appreciate the humor, humanity and depth the film offered.

All those who want to see the film industry thrive in Aotearoa should be concerned that our Film Commission has such limited vision and insight. Our foremost film producer – Sir Peter Jackson – wrote a cogent critique of the Commission which includes this amusing but disturbing observation – “dealing with the Commission is like trying to climb a mountain with your fingertips, with someone rapping on your head with a spoon. What comes across is an organization that has constructed its relationship with film makers as one of us and them, as fundamentally oppositional.”

With the major money gone the whole project could have easily died but Mike and Rosemary were determined. Somehow they brought together a large group of supporters – friends who invested money, organizations and individuals who gave their time and services for next to nothing.

Rosemary, who had been involved with theatre for many years but had never directed a feature film, took time off from being a Family Court Judge in Hamilton and courageously became the film’s director. Rosemary was supported by a hugely experienced Director of Photography Tom Burstyn and some veteran actors – which initially increased the pressure on her but proved superbly symbiotic as their trust in her grew.

Five weeks of shooting and the film was in the can – produced for a fraction of the original budget thanks to the amazing community support. I’m sure this low budget, DIY, everyone-pitching-in approach to the film gives it an integrity that slick overseas productions lack.

The Insatiable Moon doesn’t feel homemade – the cinematography, editing, music, direction and acting are all world class but the all kiwi cast bring a special credibility to the film. In The World’s Fastest Indian, for example, every line Sir Anthony Hopkins speaks reminds the viewer that here was a big name actor who couldn’t cope with a kiwi accent whereas all the characters in The Insatiable Moon are completely authentic.

Rawiri Paratene reserved the part of Arthur for himself back in 2002. He stuck with the Riddells over the years and was eventually rewarded for his commitment. Rawiri has gained tremendous mana over the years and brought a great deal of aroha to the central role and the production. His Arthur is a potent mix of divine madness, humanity, humour, Maori spirituality and lunatic intensity.

Ian Mune is totally convincing as Norm – a gentle drunkard with a bottle in one hand and a bible in the other. Greg Johnson also turns in a great performance as the crusty, foul mouthed, golden hearted manager of the boarding house.

Sara Wiseman as Margaret, Arthur’s Queen of Heaven, was faced with the film’s hardest role. Could a white, married, middle class woman actually fall for a rough looking Maori psych patient? Sara makes Margaret so gently beautiful and vulnerable that she slips past your guard – an appealing character you want to comfort not condemn.

The supporting cast is excellent. There are none of the notably wooden performances that have marred other kiwi films. The selection of music enhances without ever being intrusive – including songs from genuine street performers and an Elvis style rendition of Amazing Grace by Ray Woolf.

Tom Burstyn’s cinematography skillfully captures the essence of the film’s other main character – the suburb of Ponsonby – in many of its moods.

I hope this film receives the recognition and exposure it deserves especially considering the courage and sacrifice of the team who put it together. Some people might find the language offensive and perhaps even the tastefully restrained sex scene. Some Christians might find Arthur’s spiritual ambiguity and adultery difficult but if God were to send another son (or daughter) he would surely be born among the obscure, poor and the socially unacceptable.

Along with all its other pluses, The Insatiable Moon gives us a compassionate insight into the lives of these social misfits who Jesus described as his brothers and sisters in Matthew 25. It’s no wonder the film has received support and high commendation from the Mental Health Foundation.

If you miss The Insatiable Moon at the Film Festival make sure you catch it at a Rialto cinema from mid September and support the efforts of independent film makers in these difficult, restrictive times.