
Issue No 66		11 August 2000

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Review

Pure Shit

By Tony Moore

The 1970s Aussie drug classic, Pure Shit - a 70s Australian style Trainspotting - is being dusted off for a one-off showing at the Chauvel.

"....the most evil film I've ever seen" ? Melbourne Herald 1976
"The fastest film from Australia" Rolling Stone ? 1976
"The most talked about film at Cannes" ? High Times ? 1976

Strewth Magazine is presenting the 70s Australian drug cult classic Pure Shit in a one off screening as a fundraising for the magazine, at the Chauvel Cinema, Paddington, Wednesday 23rd August, 7pm.

Deemed evil by the tabloids and "too hard for the wowsers to handle" (Nation Review) and nearly banned by the Censor, Pure Shit is a black comedy trip into the Melbourne's drug subculture of the 70s. The film features a huge cast of characters including Helen Garner, HG Nelson and Max Gillies as a doctor.

At the time Pure Shit stood out for its dirty realism alongside pretty costumed escapism like Picnic At Hanging rock.

Pure Shit follows a group of junkies on their endless quest for the next hit. It is flashback time as every 70s cool speak cliche gets trotted out complete with bad clothes and woeful hairdos. The road movie style action which was deliberately directed as a comedy then ? viewed today is hysterical. The use of Australian slang proved so difficult for the overseas market that a sub?titled version had to be made available.

The film which listed no screen credits for either cast or crew was directed by Bert Delling and shot on 16mm with a budget of $28,000. Delling worked closely with junkies so that all the scenes in the film represent real life experiences.

Pure Shit is not just 'fits and flares', but has a political message being partly funded by the Buoyancy Foundation an organisation to help drug takers. Its aim was to make a film to counteract government? produced anti?drug films which failed to communicated the realities or communicate to those involved.

For more information contact:
Morag White - Publicist -0411 879 016
Or Tony Moore- (02) 9519 3299

Pure Shit
Wednesday 23rd August, 7pm
Chauvel Cinema - Paddington
$15 film/party
Bookings: Chauvel - 9361 5398

View entire issue - print all of the articles!

Issue 66 contents

Interview: Shifting Sands
Michael Crosby Joint Director of the ACTU Organising Centre talks to Workers Online about the changing nature of union power, 'use it or lose it' coverage and how the ALP will have to deal with a transformed union movement.

Unions: Mission Possible
From Cambodia to Kyrghyzstan, from Malawi to Mozambique, this is one nurse who accepts certain missions where life is on the edge, and she loves it.

Economics: A Progressive Alternative
Andrew Scott outlines a policy approach for an ALP Government that aims to deliver social as well as economic progress.

International: Unions Back International Seafarer Deal
Shipping union representatives from 56 countries have decided to back a pioneering international collective bargaining agreement with ship employers.

Politics: Apolitical Myth
Over the last ten years one story about public interest in politics has found resonance, especially in the US. It suggests that people are no longer interested in political issues. Researchers from the Demos Foundation put this claim under the microscope.

Satire: Elaine Nile retires citing victory in "War on Masturbation"
There were emotional displays and many tributes paid today as Elaine Nile, Christian Democrat MP of 12 years standing, announced her retirement from the Parliament.

Review: Pure Shit
The 1970s Aussie drug classic, Pure Shit - a 70s Australian style Trainspotting - is being dusted off for a one-off showing at the Chauvel.

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