Each broadcast of these movies should register as a major cultural event. The supposed power of film critics is greatly exaggerated but, if they wield a very modest power within the scheme of things, it is a power of influence - more specifically, a power to stimulate desire, to incite curiosity. Too many critics accept this pathetic reduction of cinema as their sole field of operations. It is in the fun and adventure of telling stories or drawing connections that critics can do their little bit for the noble cause of film culture. The losing game of Australian film culture can never be easily solved, but its inspiration can always be saved.
Film culture can materialise anytime, anywhere.
You just have to want it badly enough. Adrian Martin is The Age film critic. The Age Company Ltd 2000. Any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.