Screens exclusively at Palace Cinemas from Thursday [MA15+]

Director: Amiel Courtin-Wilson

Runtime: 84mins

Jack Charles, the subject of this genuinely touching documentary, is one of Australia’s unknown legends. Aborigine, thespian, homosexual, heroin addict, and burglar, he has lived a life characterised by the crossing of borders. He’s a difficult man to define, and to Courtin-Wilson’s credit, Bastardy is not a film that attempts to do this. It is, rather, a compassionate document of Charles’s life – in his own words – that brings us into the world one of the most inspiring and endearing men ever captured on film. That might sound like an overstatement, but if you think so, you obviously haven’t seen Bastardy yet.

Shot on a variety of 16mm, Super 8, DVCAM and HDV, the film looks (appropriately) like something of a collage as it traces the events of Jack’s life over a period of six years. He spends a lot of time roaming – on one occasion, as he is being driven through a particularly affluent suburb (which he has regularly burgled) – he remarks: "Believe it or not, I own this. I’m patrolling my land." He inspires people on the street with spontaneous song and guitar. He gets sporadic work on film and television sets with some Australia’s most respected performers. He robs houses, almost certainly to finance his heroin habit, and we see him shooting up on a number of occasions. These confronting scenes do not portray a pathetic individual who has failed to adjust to society. Instead we see a man with the courage to live his life, truthfully to himself, and yet in defiance of societal norms.

We learn that Jack is a member of the Stolen Generation and that he was raped repeatedly while in state custody. When he tells us about his one and only love – an adoring man from his youth who was in fact the first person to say "I love you" to him – your heart will melt completely. The strength he exhibits upon being released from a 12 month jail term is astounding, taking it completely in his stride. The wisdom, sincerity, and thoughtfulness he casually expounds are mesmerising. That this is all set to a soundtrack featuring Warren Ellis, Oren Ambarchi, and CosoRosie makes it even more enchanting.

My only criticism of Bastardy is that it didn’t feel long enough to me. Though it seems to suspend time for its duration, I wanted more of Jack. He never outstays his welcome – quite the opposite. I really can’t recommend this film highly enough. Please take the time to get to Palace Barracks and see this in all its glory on the big screen while you can. This is real Australian cinema.

****˝

ADAM DODD