The name Bob Hawke is familiar to just about everyone in Australia, but most particularly to those of us who grew up during the 1970s-1990s, which is the era during this excellent telemovie is set.
Bob Hawke never pretended to be anything other than what he was. He has never denied that he is a former alcoholic and that he cheated on his wife, Hazel, on a regular basis. He was also one of the most successful and popular Prime Ministers Australia has ever had, and he remains so to this day, even though he turned 80 in December, 2009.
Working his way up through the ranks via his involvement in the Trade Union Movement, Bob Hawke was a 'man of the people', a chap who was never scared to say what he thought and really get involved with 'his' public. Always to be seen at every major event, from Australia Day celebrations to America's Cup victory partys and enjoying a game of cricket, Bob managed to do what few before or since have done - he understood the average Australian, their needs and concerns and he set about righting wrongs while remaining accessible, friendly and extremely capable in spite of a traumatic and hectic personal life.
Richard Roxburgh is one of the best actors in Australia and he played Bob Hawke to perfection. It was a fine choice for the lead. My only issue was that, upon occasion, he spoke in an 'upper crust' manner, which is something the 'real' Bob has never done. In all other areas though, I could not fault his performance. His portrayal of Hawke's anguish as he talked of his daughter's drug addiction was very powerful, as were the scenes when his beloved mother was dying.
Although Rachael Blake bore very little physical resemblance to the real Hazel Hawke, she pulled off the role very successfully, portraying the wronged wife who had had enough of the drinking, the affairs and the politics itself, but who still stood behind her man until after he ceased to be Prime Minister. Ms. Blake did, however, portray Hazel's famous dignity in public very well. Nobody who watched Mr. and Mrs. Hawke during his time in power would have ever guessed that their marriage was at the point where Hazel had completely had enough and was consulting divorce lawyers.
Kudos must also go to Sacha Horler who did an excellent job portraying Hawke's 'Right Hand Woman', Jean Sinclair, who tragically passed away during his term of office. Well done also to Felix Williamson who caught every nuance of Treasurer (later Prime Minister) Paul Keating perfectly, not only looking astonishingly like him, but also capturing the well known Keating speaking voice very well.
Asher Keddie as Blance d'Alpuget, Hawke's biographer, mistress and later, his second wife, did a good job in what was a fairly unpopular role given that Blance has always been accused of breaking up Bob and Hazel Hawke's marriage, which is pretty much on the money, although there were certainly many other contributing factors.
Over 2 million viewers around Australia tuned in when this program aired on July 18th, 2010, which, for a country with a population of less than 24 million, is pretty impressive numbers.
I can see nominations and awards for this fine piece of drama coming from all directions and I think once you've watched it, if you haven't already, then you will agree that they will be well deserved.moreless
Hawke
Network Ten (TV Movie 2010)
- 1 TOTAL REVIEWS Write A Review
- 0 EPISODES ONLINE Watch Online
-
No Editor User Score: 0EDITOR
EDIT
Show Summary
- TV Movie
This telemovie chronicles the life of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke and his impact on the nation.
-
ABC, TEN rule AFI Awards
By Zennith Geisler, Dec 14, 2010
Hawke, Review with Miles Barlow and Black Saturday documentary Inside the Firestorm lead the TV winners at the AFI Awards over the weekend. read more
-
2010 TV network scorecard
By David Knox, Dec 10, 2010
Never mind the ratings, we rate the Aussie networks on what they brought to the table in 2010. read more
Weird, no one has discussed Hawke yet.
What are your thoughts? Start a conversation!
