Desperate Remedies

Desperate Remedies DVD

Desperate Remedies - 1993

James Wallace Productions - 1993
DVD UPC # 9330080001767; 097361532233

Cast: Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Kevin Smith, Lisa Chappel, Clifford Curtis, Michael Hurst, Kiri Mills.
Writers and Directors: Stewart Main and Peter Wells; Cinematography: Leon Narbey; Editor: David Coulson; Designer: Michael Kane; Music: Peter Scholes; Producer: James Wallace; Associate Producer: Trishia Downie.

A rather camp, theatrical-style production set in the 19th century New Zealand town of Hope. Elegant and attractive Dorothea has a sister, Rose, addicted to opium and her boyfiend/supplier. Dorothea hires a handsome immigrant, Lawrence, to lure Rose away from this relationship. But Dorothea and Lawrence grow attracted to each other. Dorothea already has a "suitor" in Anne, who sensing a rival, pushes her into a marriage of convenience.

Censor Rating: M - Review rating: C+

AVAILABILITY OF VHS OR DVD COPIES

Used PAL VHS can occationally be found for about 10#. Used NTSC VHS can also be found for about $10us. The Australian R4 DVD, in addition to being presented 1.5:1 and 2.0 dolby digital, includes scene selections, plus trailer and optional director's commentary track, however as of November 2006, it is OOP.
As of February 2009, it is available on PAL R0 DVD selling for about $20nz, but only from New Zealand sources. Also vhs pal copies can be purchased from Aro Video for $10nz.

SOUNDTRACK ON AUDIO CD

Click for Desperate Remedies Soundtrack CD Details

REVIEWS

New Zealand Film Archive Info and Reviews

Movie Review Query - 6 articles

IMDB User Comments

"One of the elements of camp in Desperate Remedies is in the references to, and grateful acknowledgment of, and to certain extent a re-writing of the great women's films of the 1940s. I say grateful, because Desperate Remedies relates back to those signal moments as nascent homosexuals when Stewart and I were searching anywhere, in whatever cupboard and closet, for signs of gender roles which did not quite fit" - (Peter Wells, "Frock Attack! Wig Wars! Strategic camp in Desperate Remedies", Working Papers, No.1. Auckland: Centre for Film, Television and Media Studies, U of Auckland, 1997. pg.6)

"The corn is high but, the film is lots of fun, and, while probably primarily appealing to a gay crowd, it may also amuse straights seduced by the sheer fun of it all. Jennifer Ward-Lealand cuts an impressive figure as the imperious Dorothea, while Lisa Chappell suffers beautifully as the jealous Anne. Kevin Smith is a muscular and handsome Lawrence, while Cliff Curtis is suitably dastardly as Fraser. The technical credits are sumptuous, despite the obviously limited budget; all the money is up there on the screen, flaunting itself" - (David Stratton, Variety, June 7, 1993)

OFFLINE REVIEW SOURCES

Dominion, Oct.4, 1993
Filmnews, Nov.1993 Illusions, no.30(winter 2000)
Listener, v.140no.2788(Sept.11 1993)
Metro, no.147(Sept. 1993)
New Zealand herald, Sept. 10, Oct.1, 1993
North & South Review by Brian McDonnell - September 1993
Sight and sound, v.4,issue2(Feb.1994)
Sunday times, Oct.3, 1993

TRAILER & AWARDS

Official Trailer

Information at IMDB

1993 - Catalonian International Film Festival, Spain - Best Costume Design.
1994 - New Zealand Film Awards - Best Supporting Actor: Cliff Curtis; Best Design; Best Cinematography.

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