West of Eden (2017) User Reviews

Not quite the Kiwi Brokeback Mountain

[massagefortoday-87-281464 · 5/10 · 14 March 2017]

I wanted to like this film - as others have said - the cinematography is beautiful. But isn't that the very least to be expected of a New Zealand film? Apart from that - have to say I was a bit disappointed.

For me it felt more like a Kiwi version of Southern American Gothic a la Tennessee Williams (a dysfunctional family with incest and jealousy born of disinheritance) first. While on the other hand the gay love story felt very much like an add on, or an after thought.

This was partly because the Māori cowboy, the Billy Williams character, who was supposedly the main protagonist - had little to say - mainly "yes sir, no sir " .You could put this down to the scriptwriter. - But also the actor (Kieran Foster) was not able to convey much through non verbal facial expression and body language. (It can be done - think Trevante Rhodes as the adult Chiron in Moonlight). So he functioned mainly as eye candy - yup he did that very well!

For large stretches of the film Billy Williams and his lover don't figure - and there is so little development of their relationship that it doesn't feel that real, or that important.

The script writing was quite variable from spot on laconic Kiwi exchanges - to dialogue that you'd expect from a soap opera - a la Days of our lives. (To be brutally honest)

For me the best part was was Danny Birch played by Peter Hanson - he was a great villain and very convincing. And provided some comic relief. Of which there wasn't that much - the tone was pretty earnest throughout. The biggest laugh for me was the revelation in the casket scene - and it wasn't supposed to be funny!

My 2 bits anyhow.

Another film where the only value of gays is to teach straight people lessons

[Bayamon_Hill · 4/10 · 23 June 2018]

The film opens on two young friends playing, and they begin talking about one of the boys' "cowboy" uncle. That uncle is then asked to tell the story of his cowboy hat, which he does. In fact, the movie never returns to that the set-up, as if the movie makers forgot. And the story that does unfold isn't really about his hat either (he had it by the time the movie begins). Billy Williams is a gay man living in Australia/New Zealand in the 1960's. He decides to abandon the guy he likes when things get too complicated for him and his conservative family by taking a job as a farmhand on an estate far away. He then enters a soap opera where there is endless intrigue and betrayal. The movie becomes about the Henshaw family, and Billy all but disappears. The movie gives you a lot of information about every and all characters that you encounter so the focus is a very loose, with Billy disappearing from screen for up to 30 minutes at a time. We have no choice (eventually) but to accept that Billy has fallen in love with the son of the family, the extraordinarily handsome Tom, based on one scene of looking at clouds together. Tom becomes the focal point of the film as he desires to live his life openly and to love who he wants to love, unlike the rest of his family. Upon coming to that realization, he is shot dead, leaving Billy alone. But, the straight members of his family learn a valuable lesson about living their fullest life authentically. So I guess it works out in the end, unless you care more about the gay characters than the straight ones. And no offense, the actor that played Billy had such severe acne scars that he was the least attractive man in the movie, including the older gentlemen. He did have nice hair though. In conclusion, this is a movie that is an interpretation of Steinbeck's "East of Eden", full of family drama. Cramming a focus on homosexual desire into the film seemed pointless and only as a means to teach the straight people how to love fearlessly before it's too late. For gay people, it is almost always too late because they die in the end.

Secrets and lies from rural 1960 New Zealand

[mel_bear · 5/10 · 9 March 2017]

OK I was going to give this movie four stars but as it was beautifully photographed, with some exceptional art direction and amazing visual detail created by the set decorator and costume designer, I upped my rating to five.

This is a bit of a glimpse into my own early childhood. Not quite the same way as described in the movie but the same scenario took similar forms in New Zealand in the fifties and early sixties.

Although the film is hinted as being a gay love story, it is more a secret and lies drama with the action played out, not in some North England town, but on a farm out in the sticks of rural New Zealand.

OK, this all sounds like everything is great and we are in for two emotional hours of pretty good film making. Things started to fall down during the (unnecessary) prologue with some bad post sync dialogue. This slightly stilled dialogue continued throughout a lot of the movie. The script was great but listening to the dialogue made me feel quite uncomfortable. This wasn't helped by the music score which was recorded so loud as to drown out a lot of what I was trying to hear.

The wonderful period costumes and props were marred by some of the worst movie makeup on a non-vampire movie I have ever seen. Almost every cast member looked like they had escaped from 'Spookers'.

The director decided to film every scene involving the actors from every angle possible. The editing room didn't help by trying to edit in every angle too. This was not an action movie and looking at a person's head from every angle starts to make you physically sick.

Some of the scenes could have been trimmed a tad - especially where the camera seemed to focus a bit too long on minor characters who were really not that important in keeping the story going.

This all sounds rather hash but I think this movie would have benefited from some public screenings, for feedback purposes, before hitting the circuit.

Could have been a winner

[qui_j · 3/10 · 10 March 2019]

This is the New Zealand version of Brokeback Mountain. Nowhere as good as that and spoiled by low budget, poor production poor editing, and a really, really bad script. Nothing about the story was believable. Such a shame as it could really have been a good movie.

Another Gay Romance turns Tragic

[silver_rado2001 · 2/10 · 2 July 2019]

Only thing this film teaches there is no justice and if your gay in 1960 your dead and that guy that shot neve faced justice made the entire discusting.

incredibly slow moving

[myonge-72119 · 3/10 · 5 September 2021]

The premise of the story... Uncle Billy why have you kept this hat all these years?... was never really answered.

The story that I think they were trying tell, or at least advertised was only really told on the surface. You kind get that Billy falls in love with the farmers son... but there is so much else going on that the waters are so muddied with multiple plots that you are not really sure which plot is the real one if there is one. If I hadn't read that it was a story about a farm had falling in love with the farmers son, I might have just thought it was another of the plots that rambled through the movie.

And then there was the seemingly endless periods of dead scenes that didn't appear to have any purpose.

Sorry it could have been a good movie but it wasn't.

Beautifully shot film that that brings the era to life

[thewisbeys-45021 · 7/10 · 9 March 2017]

The film was beautifully shot and I think the story line managed to show the 60s as they were in small towns. The mind sets of the older generation being challenged by new ideas. The trouble is often such challenges can lead to disagreements and hostility and then as with this story sometimes to tragedy. Well written, acted and produced by a group of people with lots of talent but little money to back up the talent. If you haven't seen it go to the Rialto and see what hidden talent we have here in New Zealand.

An intelligent and thoughtful film.

[lizraewynrodgers · 8/10 · 9 March 2017]

An intelligent thoughtful film. If you like European or British films you will enjoy West of Eden. A film was written with sophistication and realised with integrity. This caliber of a film has been a long time coming, no flippant script or two-dimensional characters found in this piece of cinematic charm. The one thing I would say is that I think the film would be best promoted as a period drama rather than a gay love film, there are many strands to this story - Rialto channel viewers this is for you. It is not just a story about gay love but one about true love set against societal constraints, a reminder that individual freedom and rights are a cause worth fighting for. Especially relevant in our present time. Mr. Space Waltz, you have yet again excelled - may your glam and glitter shine on. When's your next film?

Sexy leads and a top story!

[ashleypixiharris · 8/10 · 9 March 2017]

I fell in love with Billy, he is so cute! I wanted to take him home. A great story full of twists and turns. The film is full of beautiful New Zealand countryside. The hair and makeup and clothes make me wish I was living in 1960. Sexy cars, even a train, and the men all wearing hats, just so cool. I was so caught up in the characters and the story that the next day I could not stop thinking about what became of them all. I love the song in the kitchen scene, so much a song of the time. I wish we could have seen a bit more smooching between Billy and Tom but I am still excited to see a film made about the struggle gay men had back then, it makes you think about how hard it was for anyone who did not fit in. This is New Zealand's Brokeback Mountain - the story is totally different but the stand for equal rights that the filmmakers make is the same.

What a film!

[charlottebismith · 9/10 · 13 March 2017]

I was lucky enough to go to the West of Eden Premiere night, and I can honestly say that this film does not disappoint! The cinematography was incredible from start to finish and the costumes were beautiful. I personally was not around in the 60's however, I feel as though the film portrayed the different situations people had to deal with back then very well. The acting its self is a reason you should go and see this film. Every character had a story for you to get trapped in, leaving you emotional and wanting to know how their stories would end from the beginning. Billy, is such an amazing character to watch throughout the film and you can't help but fall in love with him as the film progresses. His story is a very raw and emotional one and the actor who plays Billy, definitely does him justice. This is a very proud moment for NZ independent films.

A beautiful film that captures the era

[courtcarajones · 9/10 · 9 March 2017]

I saw this film last night and I was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful and well crafted it was. The cinematography was beautiful creating an atmosphere that captured the 1960s. Costumes were excellent and the makeup and hair perfect for the era, something I am very particular about. The acting was great and the casting spot on, and the two leads are hot! I hope I get to see more of these actors in New Zealand films. They got the music right too adding to the film's atmosphere. The film was labeled a 'Gay love story' but I think this is a bit misleading - it is really a story about love, relationships, and social restrictions in 1960, especially in conservative rural New Zealand. It is a complex but beautifully written story with full real characters. I loved this film, keep making them, director, Alastair Riddell.

Beautifully shot, with a dark twist

[mwingto · 9/10 · 3 October 2017]

I try to watch as many independently made films as I can - and enjoyed West of Eden. The production value is high - the cinematography is vivid, the costume work true to period, even down to the shirts and shoes - oft overlooked on indie budget films - and I never once felt anything but transported to the late 50's early 60's. The feel for me is one of lifting a lid on the polite edifice of the society at the time - to reveal the passions, infidelities, forbidden love, power plays, and games that must have gone on - this film does it well. I wont give away what happens - but it was a shock! There is some good acting - especially from the villain of the piece - a very nasty, banal fellow, who plays the secrets of others to get what he wants. West of Eden for me - was a change of pace, and place - who would have thought rural New Zealand 50 years ago would be such a hotbed of gays, cuckolds and murderers!

Great independent film

[theresab-71511 · 8/10 · 9 March 2017]

Not being around in the 1950's in NZ I thought the film was quite an eye opener.

The cast is fairly young so great to see young talent coming through the ranks. Plenty of eye candy for the ladies 😛

I really enjoyed the film, the cinematography was fantastic and it really showcases the NZ country side.

What a treat!!!

[wilsonj-19687 · 8/10 · 25 March 2017]

Beautiful to watch, with a story I can't stop thinking about. A great cast that did justice to strong and memorable characters. All the 1960s cars and costumes were so perfect (what a stylish era). I love the way the film looks so beautiful but the farm is full of dark secrets. Billy, the main guy, is adorable but the family he gets involved with has got some serious problems. I would have liked more big countryside scenes but I guess they didn't have the money for it - I read it is an independent film. I enjoyed the brooding story about family feuds and the struggle with being gay in 1960 combined with the ever present small town gossip and society expectations - what a toxic mix. Overall - definitely a good New Zealand film that I would watch again.

Wonderful film!!

[benjiwilson · 9/10 · 25 March 2017]

Truly wonderful film...I loved this movie...saw this last week and was very impressed and surprised with every aspect of its production; apparently this film had no NZ Film Commission funding so even more kudos to the producers...maybe the reason for the small number of unfair, negative (dare I say spiteful?) reviews here? Loved the terrific and evocative design elements; costume, sets, cars etc. There was never a dull moment as the story developed either...the unexpected twists avoided any predictability. The acting and photography were excellent as well. I loved Billy, and although I would have liked to have known a little more about him, it's a small niggle given the restricted time in a single film. All in all a great kiwi film. Top marks!!

An outstanding film in all respects

[neonpeon · 9/10 · 4 November 2017]

An outstanding film in all respects, a knotty festering drama full of portentous events unfolding spookily like a NZ bush waterfall. Gripping and engaging, an excellent script with well-developed characters who you cared about or desperately wanted to throttle. I liked the way it was art directed, directed and acted. The music score was excellent, sensitively supporting and integrated into the core of the film. Great title too. Giant and East of Eden are of course, embedded in our consciousness, but West of Eden is a completely original film, it shines; congratulations to all involved.