Alexandra's Project is a mediocre Australian thriller released in 2003. At a cost of two million Australian dollars, the film hardly managed to recover half the production cost domestically. It has likely turned a profit with an International release, but appears to have been widely overlooked...which is understandable.
Steve (Gary Sweet) seems to have the world by the "short-hairs." He wakes up on his birthday to two beautiful children. His wife seems a bit distant, and we soon realize, eccentric. As we subconsciously note the extra dead-bolt locks on the doors and the metal roll-down window covers, something seems unsettling. Steve appears to be in control, while his wife Alexandra (Helen Buday) appears to be stuck in a routine beneath the fog of Prozac. She expresses her concern that Steve always takes care of the bills and offers her help, which is declined with a smile. Steve seems likable, but somewhat superficial.
Steve also appears to be well liked at his office. He struts through the cubicles like a peacock, heading to his corner office with a view. It is a great birthday. His co-workers start his day off right with a cake, which is followed by a board meeting. And what better treat for your birthday than a promotion? Yes, Steve truly has it licked. When he gets home for a "surprise" birthday party, the surprise is on him. No one is at home. A video camera, videotape and television await him in the dimly lit living room. None of the lights seem to work. The video offers bad news, which gets worse when Steve realizes he is trapped in his own home. So what, exactly, does that crazy b!tch Alexandra have in store for his birthday? You have to watch to find out!
Rolf de Heer wrote and directed this odd thriller. He created interesting characters that drive the story. It appears the major theme appears to be control-oriented. Steve is the collected, measured father and husband who the world revolves around. He has the world eating from his hand. Alexandra struggles with her world and views her relationship with Steve to be purely physical. Physical to the point that it nauseates her. Alexandra sets out on a course to assert her independence in a complex scheme that catches the controlling Steve off guard. It is a juxtaposition of characteristics that forms the foundation of the writing. The dialogue was decent, but the thick Aussie accents made the dialogue hard to follow at times (I could have used a few sub-titles). Alexandra's Project doesn't offer much in the way of plot, leaving the finale open-ended. The story itself seems to be the shift of power, which wasn't really rewarding to me. However, the characters and concept were interesting enough to hold my attention.
Alexandra's Project has a 103 minute run-time. The version I watched was unrated, but would have easily have been rated R by the MPAA. There are some strong adult themes in this film from start to finish. Full frontal male nudity is prevalent at the beginning of the film (which may also establish the male dominance early) and is juxtaposed with extensive female nudity, to include a live streaming webcam sex scene. The nudity and depictions of sex seem to be part of the story-telling, and are therefore not gratuitous. However, they are front and center through major stretches of this film. I would not allow anyone younger than mid-teens watch this film.
I was impressed with the performances of both lead characters. The writing left me feeling a bit unfulfilled, but the performances were spot on. Sweet projects an air of subtle confidence that infects those around him. His bearing on-screen lends his character credibility. As his role diminishes, Sweet manages to make the transformation with his character, lending credibility to the role. He is complemented by a stellar performance from Buday, who makes the transformation in reverse. Buday's empowerment performance was powerful stuff. Her manipulation and use of guile seemed entirely natural. Both actors are central to the success of the film, which I liked largely due to their contribution.
Alexandra's Project does not reach perfection. It is a thin foundation for a feature length film. However, there are some exceptional concepts explored in the film, and the use of devices outside the performances to sub-consciously tell the story were well placed. The performances were flawless from my viewpoint. The dialogue was excellent but hard to understand at times due to the Australian accents. The story left me a little bit incomplete at the end. The loose ends seemed too frayed...a little more connection would have been nice. However, I would still moderately recommend this film for its originality. 6.5/10.
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