One of the best things about small, independent films is how great they relay emotion. They don't have the budget for special effects. Often they can not afford large stars. They have to rely upon talent to get the message across. Under the Lighthouse Dancing is an excellent example of such a small film. While this film may be small in budget and perhaps audience it is very large on talent, construction and emotional impact. The story follows a group of six friends who gather one weekend on a small island in Australia. They are elated to find that one couple, Harry (Jack Thompson) and Emma (Jacqueline McKenzie) plan to be married that very weekend. It turns out that Emma is dying and she wants more than anything to marry the love of her life as soon as possible. Add to this a blossoming fix up between David (Aden Gillett) and Emma's friend Louise (Naomi Watts) and a stable couple Garth (Philip Holder) and Juliet (Zoe Bertram) and the island is full of wonderfully portrayed emotion. There is a scene where Emma is just floating in the water while her friend photographs her. There is such serenity about this moment, such peace and contentment. Here is a young woman, doomed to die very soon and yet so deeply in love that she embraces each moment of life. While many films depend on action this film is driven by the emotions exhibited by the characters. There is the love between the couple, the incredible friendship they share with others. When the friends learn about the wedding they immediately max out their credit cards to make sure this ceremony is perfect for their beloved friend. They come to deal with the impending tragedy the same way Emma does, they choose life.

It is so rare for a film to exist as a gentle expression of humanity but this one more than succeeds. Presented on the incredibly beautiful Rottnest Island, in Western Australia, the splendor of the location reinforces the overall uplifting sense of the film. If you were to hear that a film is about a young woman dying as she is about to be married your natural inclination would be, this has to be a depressing film. Only a few minutes into the movie you will see that nothing could be farther from the truth. This piece of cinema is grand statements about the resiliency of the human spirit, how, true to the Biblical passage, ‘love never fails’. For a little comic touch there is also a band of carnival performers that come to the wedding to enjoy the moment and perform. There is such joy presented that when the inevitable end arrives we can see how the friends can rejoice in a life that although was too brief was lived to the fullest.

This cast simply blew me away the first time I saw this film on cable late one night. The depth of their talent is incredible. McKenzie is wonderful as Emma. She invokes such an emotional response from the audience that you are transfixed by her ability. There is not a hint of grief in her portrayal of this character. Instead there is an overwhelming drive to embrace life as something special and wonderful. In perfect counterpoint to her is Watts as Louise. Watts provides a vibrant presence and in many of her scenes with Gillett gives the film the comic balance a story like this need in order to avoid becoming too emotionally draining. The cast plays off each other as if they were life long friends. They show a familiarity and comfort with each other that carries the story beyond the melodrama it could have become. Instead of being a real down film they lift it into a celebration of life and love. Jack Thompson as the groom is a rock of stability. Although the love of his life is dying he cherishes the short time they will have together. Over all the cast makes a simple story into something extremely special.

Director Graeme Rattigan is a master at his craft. He exhibits a skill and sensitivity not often seen in Hollywood mainstream films. Every shot is perfectly planned. Each setup is set and scene is composed like a master painter. The cinematography and set design are so well integrated into the film that you will forget for an hour and a half were you are and enter their world. I often felt like an outsider watching this film, an interloper watching the intimate moments of these people's lives. Without a doubt the Australian scenery is a member of the cast. It is awesome. The deep blue of the sea, the azure sky all add to the feeling of this film. The director makes excellent use of the scenery in the telling of this story.  Rattigan moves us through a pivotal weekend in the lives of these people with a backdrop of beauty and wonder. Rattigan allows the approaching death take a back seat to the interaction of the friends. He plays on the emotions of the audience with such élan and grace you are completely caught up in these people.

For a long time now many people have written me about where to get a copy of this film. It is obvious that this movie has the ability to touch people very deeply. Now, finally, BFS has obtained the release rights and brought this gem to DVD. While extras are non-existent the film is able to stand on its own merit. Sure, I would have enjoyed a commentary by the cast and director but this DVD is worth the price as is. The Dolby 2.0 audio is full, rich in tone and structure. The video is clear, that is free of discernable defects; especially considering most studios would consider it a minor film. Some have noted a softness to the video but it is my understanding that this reflects the choice of the director. This is an example of why you should purchase a DVD for the film and not the technical bells and whistles that so many discs contain. This is a perfect film to watch and enjoy when the hectic world around us starts to get to you.