The Sentimental Bloke with live score by Paul Mac

Dir. Raymond Longford, 1919, Australia, 106 mins, Unclassified All Ages

Watch one of Australia’s earliest feature films paired with a new live score by electronic artist and composer Paul Mac.

An adaptation of C.J. Dennis’ verse narrative of life set on the backstreets of inner Melbourne in the 1910s, The Sentimental Bloke is a tale of redemption, depicting the social rehabilitation, courtship and marriage of the titular ‘Bloke’, Bill (Arthur Tauchert) to his sweetheart, Doreen (Lottie Lyell).

For the film, Longford and Lyell relocated the setting from Melbourne to Sydney, shooting on location in Woolloomooloo, which then enjoyed a well-earned reputation as a tough inner-city neighbourhood, as well as at Manly Beach and the Hornsby Valley.

This special outdoor screening will be accompanied by a recently commissioned score composed and performed by ARIA award-winning Paul Mac whose previous projects include Itch-E and Scratch-E, The Dissociatives as well as a very successful solo career.

This screening and performance is free to attend. Arrive early to grab a deckchair or bring your own chair or picnic rug.

Language: Silent with English Intertitles
Source: National Film & Sound Archive of Australia

About Paul Mac

Paul Mac is an iconic figure in Australian electronic music. He is a composer, songwriter, musician and producer. Paul is a multi-ARIA Award winner for his work with underground dance pioneers Itch-E & Scratch-E and for his own solo work. The list of artists with whom he’s collaborated over recent years Daniel Johns (The Dissociatives), Haiku Hands, Jamaica Moana, Mo’Ju, and Ngaiire.

Credits for Paul’s remix duo, Stereogamous, include remixes for LCD Soundsystem, Rufus Du Sol, George Michael, Sia, and Kylie Minogue.

In addition to his multiple ARIA awards and APRA songwriting award, Paul’s career highlights include Australian Dance Music Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Dance and Producer Of The Year.

Credits

Composer: Paul Mac
Musicians:
Paul Mac – Musical Director – piano/full size MIDI piano
Bailey Holloway – Production Manager
Baritone Saxophone – Lachlan McLean
Bassoon – Greg Taylor
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet – Matt Ottingnon
Flute – Lamorna Nightingale
Trombone – Ben Gillespie

In 2020, the film’s cultural significance was recognised by the National Film and Sound Archive and digitally restored as part of NFSA Restores.

Presented by Fed Square and the National Film & Sound Archive of Australia and supported by ACMI and Insite Arts.