kimjohnsonnow Other reviewers have said it....tedious and annoying. Trying to be too clever by half, this movie jumps through the time zones almost frame by frame. The unifying factor being that the main character is a caricature of a male chef, you know the Gordon Ramsey type who are arrogant and think that the world worships them because they can cook seafood. With complete disregard, the main character has total disrespect for everyone in the story including himself. Wow, if this is what someone thinks grief is like then it's pretty extreme. The rest of us mix in being normal human beings with grief and continue our lives learning that life is for living. This being the gift that those who pass away leave us. I thought that it was portraying an ice addict such was the extreme behavior shown. Sorry guys trying a bit too hard...where is the subtle portrayal that Australian movies do best

eddie_baggins Unconventional and confronting, Jonathan Teplitzky's 2011 Australian film Burning Man is one of those rare movies that possess a disquieting power over the viewer that brings them in and just as easily crushes them as it does charm them. That this power has been so rarely experienced by viewers with this film by fact they've either bypassed or simply not known about this stunning drama is a mighty shame, as fans of uncompromising film-making are missing out on one extraordinary ride.Jonathan Teplitzky announced himself as a filmmaker to watch with his 2003 Aus crime caper Getting' Square and while it took him the many years in between to deliver Burning Man, it was both worth the wait and an incredibly leap in ambition in a pure delivery sense with Burning Man far removed from Getting' Square's rough charms in almost every sense of filmmaking craft.Told in a non-linear fashion, Teplitzky's tale unfolds in an at first off-putting fashion that unravels slowly but surely to create something more powerful than a more conventional example could've ever achieved. It's done by an assured hand, the film looks gorgeous (highlighted by a stunningly realized car crash) thanks to DOP Garry Phillips, is scored movingly by Lisa Gerrard who rose to fame from her work on Gladiator and features a cast of performers who deliver all at once, career best turns. It's an Australian production that puts many of its counterparts to shame and was duly recognized by both critics and local awards ceremonies but never truly resonated with local audiences which is a real shame and most likely did so due to its touchy subject matters.To say Burning Man is an easy watch would be wrong, it's a no holds barred look at grief, illness and love, staples of cinema that are common but never delved into the way in which they are here. It's a tricky subject to get right but Teplitzky and his actors handle it with aplomb thanks to considered humour and a beating heart.The heart and soul of Burning Man is exemplified by Brit Matthew Goode in the lead role of Tom. So good as a support in both Watchman and A Single Man, Goode shines here as the grieving chef Tom. His world class turn in paramount to Burning Man's successes and finds able support in the never better Bojana Novakovic and Essie Davis. Both the rawness and frankness of these performances are elements you rarely find in motion pictures today, both Australian and afar off.Unforgettable despite some minor flaws, Burning Man is quite frankly one of Australia's finest ever dramatic motion pictures that manages to be both heartfelt and affecting and never once played to cheap emotional touches, and the less known about the stories nuances the better. A grand achievement for all involved and a film worthy of your time, Burning Man is the underrated classic sought by all those who appreciate cinema at its most poignant and original.4 ½ lucky lobsters out of 5

mr-azeemtahir Before any of you go on about anything, yeah; I stole the tag-line from the ASUS brand of computer products. Still, these were the first words that came out after the credits rolled. This movie is so well substantiated in direction, cinematography, acting, editing, drama and script, and holds its ground for excellent execution, staying true to the main theme all the way. Yet, it will touch your heart in so many different ways; it's a beautifully knit piece, with a sentimental value for everyone. And yes, I did shed a few tears, which means it performed exactly the way it was meant to. The movie poster does not differ from the eventual experience, I tell you. Take it at its face-value, really.With a non-linear direction style, particularly akin to Alejandro González Iñárritu, the director does not fail to stir things up for you up every few moments. As clear and strikingly shining as morning dew, the film keeps the fizz up with occasional humor, enhancing that than eroding away the serious notes. It's a memorable piece, which would very easily end up in your forget-me-not list of movies. It has a hint of Another Earth and Take Shelter, or so I think. Anyhow, you be the judge.Nevertheless, anyone in search of romantic movie, subtle and funny with some witty sauce, or otherwise and emotional and memorable collage of events of a romantic life, family, and forces of nature acting thereon, would not sway away from this masterpiece, ever.I'd give it a 9, straight out of my hat. Actually, this is to help it make up for points lost. On the IMDb Richter-scale, it wouldn't surprise me to find this landing somewhere between 7.2 to 7.8 eventually.

mtalty22 this is a great movie. One of the best portrayals I have seen of a man experiencing loss and grief. The burn he is acting and the way it is expressed is portrayed in a realistic way. Men can grieve in the arms of others and to the soft well intentioned actions and ministrations of those around them. I find most men do work through the issues with space to brew and rage, talk is important but space to work it out is better.Sitting on the kitchen floor with a bottle of red wine at 2 in the morning nutting it out with someone who cares is where the healing starts. A real visceral portrayal...thank God the only therapist in sight was an ex-shag. The redemption of this guys sad state is due to something greater then himself, his son and the need to carry on. OK, there are a few tears to be had.