It is ironic that 'The Rehearsal' is set in a drama school, as lead actor James Rolleston evidences little acting ability. There are flashes of emotion, but in the main he mumbles his lines as if he is seeing them for the first time. This might not be so bad if he were partnered with someone of greater ability, but in the role of his girlfriend Isolde, Ella Edward is similarly unimpressive: for instance, in a scene where she discovers a room full of evidence that proves her boyfriend's duplicity she merely wanders gormlessly about it rather than looking, y'know, sad or angry.
Anyway, the plot: Stanley (Rolleston) meets Isolde on the bus as he is returning from an audition at a top New Zealand drama school and she is on her way to the tennis club. Upon arrival at the club, Isolde discovers her underage sister in a sexual liaison with the tennis coach. The resulting scandal seems the perfect material for Stanley's new drama class to adapt as their end-of-year project, but just when will Stanley get around to telling Isolde her family's trauma is about to become student fodder?
In the other roles, Kerry Fox enjoys herself as the school's tough-as-old-boots headmistress; and Kieran Charnock provides a nice turn as troubled fellow student William (who has long hair and wears odd socks, so we know how counter-culture and non-conformist he is). The film is full of stereotypes and its outcome will surprise few - the students' eventual presentation is telegraphed early on. But I enjoyed it - there was interest in following the students through their academic year and, in the UK at least, it is unusual to see a film from New Zealand. I just think it would have been better with stronger central performances.
Anyway, the plot: Stanley (Rolleston) meets Isolde on the bus as he is returning from an audition at a top New Zealand drama school and she is on her way to the tennis club. Upon arrival at the club, Isolde discovers her underage sister in a sexual liaison with the tennis coach. The resulting scandal seems the perfect material for Stanley's new drama class to adapt as their end-of-year project, but just when will Stanley get around to telling Isolde her family's trauma is about to become student fodder?
In the other roles, Kerry Fox enjoys herself as the school's tough-as-old-boots headmistress; and Kieran Charnock provides a nice turn as troubled fellow student William (who has long hair and wears odd socks, so we know how counter-culture and non-conformist he is). The film is full of stereotypes and its outcome will surprise few - the students' eventual presentation is telegraphed early on. But I enjoyed it - there was interest in following the students through their academic year and, in the UK at least, it is unusual to see a film from New Zealand. I just think it would have been better with stronger central performances.