Face to Face (2011)

90% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
40% want to see it
(155 ratings)

Face to Face is adapted from David Williamson's play of the same name which is in turn based on the transcripts from real conflict resolution sessions. The story is about a young scaffold construction worker who is charged with assaulting his boss. By the end of the film, all our assumptions about… More Face to Face is adapted from David Williamson's play of the same name which is in turn based on the transcripts from real conflict resolution sessions. The story is about a young scaffold construction worker who is charged with assaulting his boss. By the end of the film, all our assumptions about guilt and blame are turned on their heads. As 10 people sit in a room discussing the turn of events that brought our protagonist to breaking point, twists and surprises reveal that all is not quite as simple as it seems. Michael Rymer directs his screen adaptation of 'Face to Face' (written by Australian playwright David Williamson), as an ensemble piece about 10 very dissimilar Australians bound together by a complex pattern of relationships and shared histories. Hysterically funny and deeply moving, each character's role in the drama peels back another layer as the story digs down to the roots of who these people really are.

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 27 min.
Directed By: Michael Rymer
Written By: Michael Rymer, David Williamson
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

Critic Reviews

Leigh Paatsch, Herald Sun (Australia)
With the ensemble cast all instinctively attuned to Williamson's clever contrasting of the realities on the factory floor with the delusions of head office, Face to Face stares down doubters with pure intent.
Simon Foster, sbs.com.au
The strengths of Face to Face far outweigh its shortcomings. A smart blend of social satire and moral think piece, it's resonant Australian movie-making best suited to a mature audience.
Thomas Caldwell, Cinema Autopsy
Initial distracting staginess aside, Face to Face is compelling cinema that showcases a marvellous group of performers.
Paul Byrnes, Sydney Morning Herald
Rymer's adaptation is a mixed bag. The film is well cast and played and it eventually achieves a compelling emotional power, but it's laborious.
Margaret Pomeranz, At the Movies (Australia)
But, apart from an excess of hugging, which Hakim objects to too, this is a really riveting piece of drama which barely tests the talents of Michael Rymer as director, but my goodness he does a good job here.
Simon Weaving, Screenwize
Despite being unable to break free of its theatrical origins, the film is never dull.
Anthony Morris, The Vine
For a film that is still mostly just people in a room talking -- and more importantly, for a low-budget Australian drama, a category that often rings alarm bells -- Face to Face impresses in just about every way.
Erin Free, FILMINK (Australia)
Thematically rich and brilliantly performed, this is compelling and entertaining viewing, and also has something worth saying.
Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile
What appeared simple (an angry young man lashing out against his boss for firing him) grows in complexity and intensity as the characters are made to reveal motives and grudges, weaknesses and ambitions that have festered beneath the surface
Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile
With its endless stream of dramatic revelations, Michael Rymer's Face to Face is gripping cinema

Read all 10 critic reviews

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