The Crop

The Crop, released in 2004, is an Australian comedy-crime film set in the 1980s. Directed by Scott Patterson and written by George Elliot, the movie features George Elliot, Holly Brisley, and Rhys Muldoon in lead roles, portraying an amusing yet thrilling tale. The storyline undergoes various hops and skips, embracing a mix of formidable characters, hilarious scenes, and intriguing twists.

In the heart of The Crop's plotline is George Elliot, playing the character of 'Blade' Steel, an uncompromising but lovable larrikin. Blade Steel is a 'knock about' guy with a heart brimful of gold, who limns a larger-than-life character. He is a laid-back figure, preoccupied with 'Shearing' the underworld 'crooks' of their illicit wealth. 'Blade' is known for his outlandish outfits including a penchant for Cuban-heeled boots. Elliot takes on the persona of Blade Steel quite naturally, delivering a perfect blend of humour, seriousness and unpredictable charm that is hard to resist.

Playing opposite George Elliot is Holly Brisley, who brings to life the character of Geraldine. Geraldine is not only highly attractive, but she’s also Blade’s savvy, street-smart partner. Brisley's craft stands out as she builds a character whose relationship with Blade adds a delicious dynamic to the storyline. Sporting a super sexy 1980's look, Brisley shows off a wide array of costumes and hairstyles perfectly fitting the time period.

Rhys Muldoon fills the shoes of the bossy character Wacka, another significant figure of The Crop's intriguing landscape. Wacka's ruthless traits and power-hungry delusions cause troubles for Blade, thus keeping audiences hooked. Muldoon's effortless performance as Wacka does an excellent job capturing the potential menace and desperation that seeps behind the character's menacing facade.

The Crop offers an eye-catching exploration of the seedy underworld of the 1980s Australia. It is an era brimming with flamboyant criminals with colourful aliases indulging in various illegal activities. The underbelly of crime is narrated brilliantly through a series of hilarious instances, weird events, and dubious deals.

Set against a 1980s backdrop, the movie excels in capturing the essence of the era, complete with vintage cars to Polaroid cameras and colourful wardrobes that ooze nostalgia. The cinematography by Laszlo Baranyai encapsulates both the grunge and the glamour of that time, painting a bustling and bright picture of the 80s underworld.

From the impeccable comic timing of Elliot and Brisley to the remarkable circumstances that form the crux of the story, The Crop is all about the vibes of a bygone era. It leads the audiences through a labyrinth of humorous situations intermingled with serious plots, highlighted by unexpected turns and interesting character sequences.

The Crop strikes a fine balance between comedy, crime, and drama. The subplot revealing the seedy underworld of Australia, laced with humour and charm, adds depth to the story. It is indeed a comedy masterpiece set amidst the crime world that's sure to keep audiences at the edge of their seats.

As for soundtracks, The Crop doesn't disappoint. The film is replete with classic 80s rock songs, pleasing the audience's ears and adding more authenticity to the time period it represents. The sound design brings alive the era's essence and making audiences feel as if they've time travelled back to 80s Australia.

The film's script is superb, throwing the audience into fits of laughter at various points in the story. It is sharp, witty, and peppered with 80s lingo that nails the time period's distinctive cultural vibe. Elliot's almost caricature-like persona of Blade adds to the hilarity, creating an undercover crime narrative that stands apart from typical noir classics.

To summarize, The Crop is a hilarious romp through the criminal underworld of 1980s Australia. With its fantastic casting, superb script, and incredible soundtrack, it's an engaging movie that enjoys a cult status for its unique blend of comedy and crime. The film's charm lies in its art of capturing a bygone era through an oddball narrative that's both compelling and entertaining. Despite its crime setting, laughter is never far away, offering audiences a welcome escape into a comedic underworld.