# Australian Rules (film)

Australian Rules is a 2002 Australian sports drama film directed by Paul Goldman and starring Nathan Phillips, Luke Carroll, Tom Budge, Brian Torry and Lisa Flanagan. It was adapted from the novels Deadly, Unna? (1998) and Nukkin Ya by Phillip Gwynne. The film is about a young man experiencing the hardships of growing up in rural South Australia. In particular, it deals with the issue of racial relationships through the central characters, their involvement in local Australian rules football, and Aboriginal players. It was launched at the Adelaide Festival of Arts on 5 March 2002, and nationwide on 29 August 2002.

## Plot

In the isolated and fictional South Australian fishing town of Prospect Bay, the only thing that connects the black and white communities is football. Gary "Blacky" Black (Nathan Phillips) and Dumby Red (Luke Carroll) are an exception; teenage best friends from different sides of the tracks. Dumby is the star of the football team and likely to become the next Aboriginal star in the big leagues. Gary is the bookish son of hard-drinking and brutal fisherman Bob Black (Simon Westaway). He is attracted to Dumby's sister, Clarence (Lisa Flanagan). Blacky's supportive mother helps him become a better player as he is chosen to be the ruckman in the team's upcoming grand final. Blacky has to overcome Thumper, the star player for the opposition. When gameday arrives Blacky at first struggles to make an impact on the game but Dumby inspires the team, kicking several goals. When Dumby gets a mark near goals with the scores tied he hands it off to a teammate instead of taking the shot. The player kicks a point and Blacky has to run into Thumper to stop him from kicking the winning goal. Their team wins the premiership, but Dumby and Blacky's elation is short-lived. Dumby is passed over for the best-on-ground medal for the coach's son Simon Robertson. Dumby is disgusted and angered by the obvious racially motivated decision.
Disgruntled, Dumby and his cousin Pretty (Tony Briggs) attempt to rob the bar where the celebrations were held, hoping to find the best-on-ground medal. After breaking into the bar, they meet the drunk owner, beat him into unconsciousness and proceed to the safe with the key found in his pocket. Bob, waking to find the owner unconscious with a head wound, heads to the office and loads a double-barrelled shotgun. Bob sneaks up behind Dumby and fires a shot into the figure in the darkness. Bob discovers he has killed Dumby. Pretty, who has been hiding behind the door, jumps him and points the gun at his neck. Pretty reveals himself by removing his makeshift balaclava. He does not shoot Bob but fires the remaining round into the ceiling and runs away into the darkness. Bob is questioned by police over the shooting but is let off on the grounds of self-defence. Blacky is devastated over Dumby's death and angrily tosses his premiership trophy into the ocean. Clarence and Blacky console each other and fall in love. Bob and the family are greeted with hostility and harassed by some local Aboriginal people which only further fuels Bob's violent temper and bigotry.
Clarence sneaks into Blacky's room one night and they make love. The next morning Bob discovers them in bed and beats Blacky. He racially insults Clarence and throws her out. Fed up with his father, Blacky leaves. Blacky meets with Dumby's family and attends his funeral. He acquires the best on ground medal and places it in Dumby's casket. After returning home he is confronted by Bob and is told he is no longer welcome in his house due to his relationship with Clarence. Blacky defiantly stands still even after Bob punches him repeatedly. Defeated and exhausted, Bob leaves the family never to come back. The football team is disbanded as no Aboriginal players show up to training or games. The film ends with Blacky and Clarence jumping into the ocean and swimming in the water. Blacky narrates that they will both be leaving soon, as there is nothing left for them in this town.

## Cast

* Nathan Phillips as Gary 'Blacky' Black
* Simon Westaway as Bob Black
* Celia Ireland as Liz Black
* Harrison Gilbertson as Greggy
* Kelton Pell as Tommy Red
* Luke Carroll as Dumby Red
* Tony Briggs as Pretty Red
* Lisa Flanagan as Clarence Red
* Tom Budge as Pickles
* Kevin Harrington as Mr. Robertson 'Arks'
* Martin Vaughan as Darcy
* Rhys van Nek as himself

## Accolades

Awards :
| Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Outcome |
| Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards 2002 |
| Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards 2002 | Best Supporting Actor – Female | Celia Ireland | Won |
| Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards 2002 | Best Supporting Actor – Male | Simon Westaway | Won |
| Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards 2002 | Best Actor – Male | Nathan Phillips | Nominated |
| Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards 2002 | Best Cinematography | Paul Goldman | Nominated |
| Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards 2002 | Best Film | Paul Goldman | Nominated |
| Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards 2002 | Best Screenplay – Adapted | Paul Goldman | Nominated |
| Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards 2002 | Best Supporting Actor – Male | Luke Carroll | Nominated |
| Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards 2002 | Best Supporting Actor – Female | Lisa Flanagan | Nominated |
| Australian Film Institute Awards 2002 | Best Screenplay Adapted from Another Source | Paul Goldman | Won |
| Australian Film Institute Awards 2002 | Best Actor in Supporting Role | Luke Carroll | Nominated |
| Australian Film Institute Awards 2002 | Best Actress in Supporting Role | Celia Ireland | Nominated |
| Australian Film Institute Awards 2002 | Best Film | Australian Rules | Nominated |
| Australian Film Institute Awards 2002 | Best Original Music Score | | Nominated |
| Australian Film Institute Awards 2002 | Best Sound | Australian Rules | Nominated |
| Verona Love Screens Film Festival 2003 | Audience Award | Paul Goldman | Won |
| Verona Love Screens Film Festival 2003 | Youth Jury Award – Special Mention | Paul Goldman | Won |
| Verona Love Screens Film Festival 2003 | Best Film | Paul Goldman | Nominated |
| Inside Film Awards 2002 | Best Actor | Nathan Phillips | Nominated |
| Inside Film Awards 2002 | Best Feature Film | | Nominated |
| Inside Film Awards 2002 | Best Production Design | | Nominated |
| Inside Film Awards 2002 | Best Script | | Nominated |
| Australian Screen Sound Guild Awards 2002 | Best Achievement in Sound for a Feature Film | | Won |
| ARIA Music Awards 2003 | Best Original Soundtrack Album | Mick Harvey | Won |
| Humanitas Prize 2002 | Sundance Film Category | Australian Rules | Nominated |