Early Word

Luhrman's Australia Disappoints

Times: "epic rather than classic."

Last night, it seemed like the whole of Australia turned out for the premiere of Australia, a movie The Times of London says the country has been awaiting with “anxiety bordering on neurosis.” Bad news, Aussies: David Stratton, film critic for The Australian, says, “It’s not the masterpiece that we were hoping for.” The World War II story ranges from cattle drives to aborigines, but the film relies too heavily on Aussie stereotypes. There’s also a shower scene involving Hugh Jackman, which is probably someone’s idea of a good time. Stratton, the critic, adds that Australia may very well be a hit back in the States, where no Australian stereotype goes unrewarded.