Malcolm (PG) 40th Anniversary PRESENTED IN 35MM FILM

Malcolm (PG, 1986) 40th Anniversary Presented in 35mm Film by The Revival House Perth

Malcolm (Colin Friels) is a socially awkward, reclusive young man living with his elderly mother in Melbourne, spending his days tinkering with mechanical devices in the family garage. Despite his genius for engineering and invention, Malcolm is painfully shy and disconnected from normal society. His quiet existence is disrupted when two petty criminals—the charming Nino (John Hargreaves) and his volatile friend Judy (Lindy Davies)—befriend him, recognizing that his mechanical brilliance could be put to profitable use. Against his better judgment, Malcolm becomes involved in an elaborate scheme to use his inventions for a series of bank robberies. As Malcolm gets deeper into crime, he must navigate the tension between his loyalty to his newfound friends and his own moral misgivings, all while his mother remains blissfully unaware of his criminal activities.

Director Nadia Tass brings warmth and satirical edge to this 1986 Australian comedy that celebrates eccentricity and ingenuity. Colin Friels delivers a career-best performance as Malcolm, making his social awkwardness genuine and endearing rather than mocking—we understand his longing for connection even as we recognize his unsuitability for crime. John Hargreaves brings charm and menace to Nino, a criminal with genuine affection for Malcolm despite his exploitative intentions. The film's depiction of Melbourne's suburban landscape and working-class culture provides authentic Australian flavor. The mechanical inventions and contraptions become integral to both the comedy and the plot, celebrating ingenuity as something innately Australian. The film balances humor—Malcolm's bumbling attempts at criminality—with genuine pathos about a lonely man seeking belonging. It's a distinctly Australian film about friendship, loyalty, and the gap between individual talent and social acceptance.

Original format and audio experience of this film faithfully reproduced by The Revival House. Presented in 35mm film unless noted otherwise.

When: Sunday, July 19th at 1:30PM
Where: The Revival House at the Como Theatre
Rating: PG (The content is mild in impact)