Primarily, Futile Attraction is a romantic comedy. So expect to get humor along with some romance. Fortunately for many movie-crazy fans out there, director Mark Prebble has thrown in many other aspects to make it look perfect onscreen.
For one, there is that hilarious and heartfelt story.
Futile Attraction is about a young boy (Peter Rutherford) and a young woman (Danielle Mason) who are brought together to star in a reality TV show. As a young couple that got together via a dating agency, they seem unfit for the part, what with obvious incompatibilities getting in the way. But they are the only subjects available to the show so the crew had to make do with their behaviors and try to manipulate the relationship between the two to get the footage they need for the show. Unfortunately, this seems to be more work than the crew ever imagined.
Fore another, there is Prebble’s excellent movie-making style. The director himself claims this as his anti-romantic comedy take on low budget productions. Interestingly, it is also done in documentary style, as a requirement of the Reality TV part.
Then there’s the outstanding performances rendered by the film actors. Rutherford as the good-natured telemarketer who cares about three things – telephones, his mom, and having a perfect, fairytale life – is excellent. Never mind if this is his first vehicle. Mason as the hippie chick who is absorbed with environmental issues is equally lovable. Aside from the two main characters, there’s Alistair Browning and Michelle Ang who are part of the production team that follows the couple around. They are all amazing in their parts, playing their roles as if they were their own. Although the movie’s focus are the leads, the supporting cast was able to shine at their own times.
Next up is the humane nature that you can see all over the film. Futile Attraction can be very close to your heart because it seems to find its way working through the everyday lives of ordinary people or not.
Futile Attraction
Overall, Futile Attraction is a good watch. It goes well beyond its limited budget. Director Mark Prebble’s efforts are definitely worth it. He worked hard just to finish the film. In fact, he even went as far as soliciting empathy among Internet users just so his project will not be canned.
Futile Attraction deserves all the hype and all the loud cheers. It is the perfectly funny movie that has a very heartwarming back-story. While it will keep you laughing out loud all through out, it will also touch your heart and make you fall in love with love. It is perfect for those chill-out nights when you want something light and warm for your heart. The story is very easy to grasp and, not to mention, like for all that its worth.
Director: Mark Prebble
Cast: Michelle Ang, Christopher Brougham, Alistair Browning, Richard Chapman, Desiree Rose Cheer
Language: English
Country: New Zealand
Year: 2004