Restraint (2008)

**_Australia’s “Bonnie & Clyde” hole up in a rural estate_**

Shot in mid-late 2005, this is a crime drama/thriller in the tradition of Polanski’s “Cul-de-sac,” both of which involve a home invasion of an artist’s abode. This one’s all-around more compelling with the main thug (Travis Fimmel) coming across as Chris Pine mixed with the psycho-ness of Brad Pitt’s character in “Kalifornia.” Meanwhile the troubled man of the manor is played by True Blood’s Stephen Moyer, who smacks of Roddy McDowall in the late ’60s or early ’70s, just more masculine and serious.

On the feminine front, Teresa Palmer was an up-and-comer who hadn’t yet broken into the limelight during shooting. The story revolves around her being stuck betwixt a two-bit philistine and a cultured man of means. Despite the refinement of high society, is the latter really that removed from bestial actions?

In any case, Teresa was 19 during shooting and a highlight, reminiscent of Reese Witherspoon mixed with some Kristen Stewart and a little Scarjo. She has a brief nude scene early on, mostly from behind; just a heads-up for anyone who might not want to be exposed to such. It struck me as organic to the story rather than forced.

I saw the original 92-minutes version a couple years after it debuted and just viewed the recently released director’s cut, which wisely tightens things up by 9 minutes and adds a new score. I prefer the new version except for the curious decision to make it B&W. The director said he was shooting for “a new graphic look reminiscent of film noir.”

It was shot in in rural areas of southeast Australia, specifically Goulburn and Camden in New South Wales, which are located between Canberra and Sydney.

GRADE: B