35mm Lonely Hearts (1982)

A funny sort of love story

Lonely Hearts is the film that established Paul Cox's (Man of Flowers) reputation as an aueteur. A tender comedy about the struggle to find valuable human connection, Cox drew on his experiences of loneliness and isolation as a migrant to create the emotional depths palpable in the film. But the contribution of famous Australian satirist John Clarke ensures a constant stream of comedic moments which prevent the feature from ever becoming maudlin.

After his mother dies, Peter (Norman Kaye), a piano tuner, meets Patricia (Wendy Hughes), a shy bank clerk, through a dating agency. He’s approaching 50 and wears a wig, she’s in her 30s and afraid of sex. Their friendship blossoms during rehearsals for an amateur theatre production, but falters when Peter’s desire becomes too urgent. 

Rating

M

Cast

Wendy Hughes, Norman Kaye, Julia Blake, Jonathan Hardy, Chris Haywood

Director

Paul Cox