Mosaic

Brisbane writer-director Aaron Catling states that he believes in ‘thinking outside the paradigm which has defined Australian film-making for the last decade or more.’ That much is evident from his uncharacteristically brave and intelligent debut feature, which is marked by long takes, an episodic narrative and startlingly naturalistic performances. Candice (Candice Storey) is raped at the age of 14 by her Dad’s best friend, nice Uncle Ray Day (Justin Scott), after he pops into her bedroom to have a chat and wish hergoodnight. Over months and years it becomes obvious that Candice has never told her father (David Nichol) – and that her relationships have become profoundly affected by the experience. The film’s explosive climax occurs on her wedding day. Made entirely independently – that is, with no federal or state backing – and shot on HD (High Definition), Mosaic is one of the Breather's most exciting discoveries – a compelling Australian drama that is adventurously conceived and marked by an uncompromising purity of vision. Following a recent wave of low-brow Australian comedies, Catling’s film is uncharacteristically serious and thoughtful in both style and content. The writer-director says that he has always found inspiration in the details of life, the little moments that go unnoticed. This quickly becomes obvious in Mosaic. Ray’s sweet talking of Candice slides so subtly – and insidiously – into assault that it is impossible for the viewer to say where one ends and the other begins. Catling believes in actively challenging an audience’s preconceptions, requiring them to be active in their viewing. In following Candice’s story over the ensuing years Catling withholds narrative information that more conventional film makers would see as necessary, to home in on the emotional essence of his scenes. At one point he sends the camera sweeping around in 360 degree arcs, leaving viewers to pick up crucial visual information as the camera sweeps by. It’s a sign of a film-maker prepared to take stylistic risks.

Director's Bio
Aaron Catling

Aaron Catling has directed several short films and documentaries: Hello Goodbye (01), I Say Yes, You Say No (01, documentary), The Camera Never Lies (02), One Shot (02), The Middle Man (0