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(Madman)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Director: Clayton Jacobson
Subtitles: English subtitles
Runtime: 103.0 mins
Very rarely does an Australian film hit such a high note as Kenny – the portrayal of a “glorified turd burglar” that leaves you feeling warmer than a takeaway vindaloo on a cold night.
In what can only be described as product placement genius, the film was funded by real life corporate bathroom facilities provider Splashdown – Kenny’s employer in the film. The story of how Splashdown came to be should have been included in the plot, for my money, as it was also a typically Australian circumstance.
Nevertheless, the true genius of this film lies firmly with the Jacobson brothers, who were ultimately responsible for almost the whole project. Shane Jacobson – who plays Kenny – the knight in shining overalls who is part plumber, part philosopher – also co-produced alongside brother Clayton, who directed, produced and edited, when he wasn’t doing the camerawork himself, or playing Kenny’s brother. Between them, they also wrote the screenplay. The cast is also a family affair, Shane’s nephew playing Kenny’s son, and his father playing Kenny’s father – all brilliant performances.
The standout performance though, putting Kenny to one side for a moment, is that of Eve Von Bibra, who plays the air hostess love interest (although in very timid terms) Jackie Sheppard. Together, Kenny and Jackie portray such fly-on-the-wall candour that you can help but warm to them and will them together.
It’s pretty solid toilet humour for the first 15 minutes, but then it becomes so much more – it truly does reveal a great deal about the psyche of the great aussie battler. It will have you in stitches time and time again, but it’ll also leave you feeling like you’ve made a new mate – who after you’ve watched it 6 or 7 times comes to feel like an old friend.
Kenny is the stuff of legend. It is quintessentially Australian and will rightly become as iconic as The Castle, Two Hands and Lantana. Can’t wait to see the Jacobson brothers’ next effort.
