It’s the Vibe of the Thing

Bringing Australian cinema from the dystopian outback to the suburban family

Filled with mullets, fringes and ill fashioned characters, presenting real-life, working class Australian families. The Castle is the underdog story of the Kerrigans fight against big business and government to remain in their beloved home, eventually taking the case all the way to the High Court.

Australian Cinema in the 1970’s and 80’s were infatuated with the outback with major hits Mad Max, Wake in Fright and Crocodile Dundee finding international audiences but 1997 bought in the satirical suburban comedy exploring the quirky characters that inhabit Australian suburbia.

the sweet natured family patriarch Darryl Kerrigan believes he lives in the lap of luxury. Blissfully unaware of his family’s lack of style or sophistication. He owns a tow truck company, several racing grey hounds, and is constantly adding dingy renovations to his home. Sal, his wife, is known for her craftiness and cullary skill, adding seasoning to chicken making it a family hit. Dale, the youngest Kerrigan, digger of holes and narrator of the film. Tracey, the family’s daughter and only member to go to college, Beauty school, to which the family is supremely proud of. Steve is the second oldest son who is an apprentice mechanic and reader of the trading post. Wayne is the eldest son and the black sheep of the family as he is serving time for armed robbery but is still loved by the family regardless.

This instantly loveable family, with affection for some of the best one liners in Australian cinema history, are dramatic representations of what everyday Australia is like and gives audiences an identity often lacking in Australia. Themes of mateship, between family and the lawyers that help the Kerrigans, is ever present with them constantly sticking together no matter the situation. Darryl embodies the Aussie battler fighting an unwinnable battle against massive odds and still comes out on top through hard work and dedication, along with characters Con Petropoulous, Dennis Denuto and neighbour Farouk backup the multiculturalism now known for in Australia and even touching on the massive real world court cases of Aborigines Eddie Mabo and the Tasmanian Dams Case surrounding land rights in Australia.

The Castle is an embodiment of the working class the is relatable to any Australian, it’s just the vibe of the thing.