Margaret & David: 'We agree more than we disagree'

At The Movies' Margaret and David

Australia loves to see its favourite movie critics arguing over the next blockbuster.

Margaret and David, known the land over by just their first names, are something of a television institution.

Since they started on SBS in 1986 they are synonymous with movie reviewing in Australia. Land yourselves five stars from Margaret and David and your film could easily see a boost at the Box Office.

In 2004 they famously exited SBS, unhappy with management and headed to the ABC where they have hosted At The Movies ever since.

Their knowledge and articulation in film criticism is exemplary, reviewing films, interviewing stars, writers and directors, and occasionally pushing film politics over issues like censorship and funding.

"By this stage because we've been there so long people have probably gotten used to us," David Stratton says.

"It's like that piece of furniture that is sort of ugly that you can't bring yourself to get rid of it."

But can he put his finger on the chemistry between the two?

"Maybe it's something to do with the fact that Margaret and I don't always agree. Mind you we agree more than we disagree, really."

Indeed, while we love to hear about the next box office blockbuster, arthouse or Aussie independent, what viewers really crave is a good stoush between the two. Sometimes the two could pass off as being polar opposites.

"We are in all sorts of ways. We've been in the studio all day today and we've been disagreeing furiously," says Stratton.

"We had Antichrist which is the new Lars von Trier film and it goes out next week. Not one of my favourites."

Lars von Trier also made the film Dancer in the Dark with Björk, which won five stars from Margaret and zero from David. Stratton is on record as not being a big fan of the Danish "dogma" style and most films that refuse to use a camera tripod.

"It's not only that but it might help a little bit," he says of tripods.

Next week, At The Movies also reviews New Moon, Where the Wild Things Are and The Informant. In December, a Summer Movies special will feature Bran Nue Day, Up in the Air, Fantastic Mr Fox, Broken Embraces and Nowhere Boy.

Stratton adds: "I think we're very lucky and we're grateful to audiences for supporting us for all these years and we're hoping to at least make 25 years."

At The Movies airs 10pm Wednesdays and the Summer Special airs 6pm Sunday, December 6 on ABC1.