Strange Fits of Passion

Strange Fits of Passion is a 1999 Australian comedy-drama film directed by Elise McCredie and stars Michela Noonan, Mitchell Butel, and Samuel Johnson. This unique comedy chronicles the exploration, desperation, and exhilaration of one young woman's pursuit of love, happiness, and her sexual identity.

Michela Noonan plays the lead character - an aspiring writer known only as "She." As someone charmed by imagery and the magic of storytelling, she finds herself submerged in a sea of romantic fantasies, desire, and halfhearted realizations. She is an innocent, naïve yet optimistic character who embarks on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery. She's desperate for love but not quite sure how to navigate its complicated pathways, especially when it comes to the art of seduction.

The film sprouts around "She's" hilarious and sometimes awkward attempts to lose her virginity. She creates a list, a step-by-step guide to attracting a lover and aims to follow it religiously. However, the more she tries to control her romantic fate, the more she discovers that love can rarely be scripted.

Mitchell Butel plays "Jimmy," a charismatic character who becomes her first accidental target. Their interaction adds a new layer to the film, giving birth to a string of hysterical misadventures. Samuel Johnson is "the man," an intriguing character who infuses the story with a multitude of emotions. He's dreamy, free-spirited, and exactly the kind of man "She" imagines in her fantasies, but he also serves as a mirror reflecting her fears and insecurities.

Set in the lively, eclectic streets of Melbourne, the movie features sleek cinematography, capturing the city's hip atmosphere and flavor. The beautiful Sandra Adair's editing lends a rhythmic pulse to the narrative, emphasizing the protagonist's emotional oscillation between excitement and fear, hope and disappointment.

Strange Fits of Passion is a narrative collage of humor, poignancy, and sexual discovery. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the situations "She" finds herself in are both absurdly funny and painfully relatable. It is a film that combines comedic flair with ripples of tragedy that gently unfold the complex layers of youthful curiosity, offering an honest yet funny portrayal of a young woman's struggle with her sexual and emotional identity. The soundtrack is as enigmatic as the plot with a mix of punk rock, whimsical melodies, and a bit of jazz, reflecting the enigmatic moods and the vigorous youthful energy of the cast.

Director Elise McCredie's keen eye for capturing raw emotions, combined with her exceptional storytelling, adds depth to this quirky comedy. She taps into the universal sentiments of love, lust, and the inherent confusion that comes with them, particularly in the journey from adolescence to adulthood. McCredie effectively uses humor to soften the intense and often challenging themes the film explores, including sexuality, self-discovery, faced by the young generation, particularly women.

The performance of the cast is commendable, with Michela Noonan delivering an endearing performance that is both vulnerable and resilient. Mitchell Butel's lovable charm and Samuel Johnson's nuanced performance add substance to this whimsical journey of love, lust, heartbreak, and redemption.

While the film's plot may initially seem centered around the physical act of losing one's virginity, it delves deeper into the emotional implications. It's a compelling look at how one's sexual experiences can shape and influence personal growth and self-understanding. It addresses the clumsiness and awkwardness that often come along with young love and sexuality with a refreshing authenticity.

In conclusion, Strange Fits of Passion is a heartfelt comedy-drama, a ride of laughter and tears, mistakes, and lessons learned. The film takes an insightful but humorous look at the journey of self-discovery and the struggles and conflicts of young adulthood. A must-watch for those who appreciate the power of storytelling underscored by humor and the raw reality of growing up. It is definitively a whimsy blend of comedy, drama, and romance that celebrates life's sweetness amid bitter realities.