By Annette Basile
Worth: $15.00
FilmInk rates movies out of $20 — the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worth
Cast:
Fergus Linacre, Alex Laska, Josh Koop, Braiden Michetti
Intro:
...an enjoyable ride...
From Bowral to Broome and beyond, Claptrap follows Melbourne rockers Kingswood as they travel on a tour bus across the great southern land. It’s an observational documentary – fly-on-the-wall style – which is full of music, classic rock t-shirts, and conversation that ranges from the trivial to the insightful and reflective.
Formed in 2007, the Kingswood boys are down to earth, essentially ego-free and genuinely doing it for the love of the music – they clearly state that they don’t want to play the radio-friendly singles game. They’re talented musos – they rock but they also have a quieter side and country influences (they’ve even recorded in Nashville, home of country music). Fergus Linacre handles the lead vocals/guitar, while Alex Laska is on lead guitar, and the pair are in the foreground of the doco. Bassist Braiden Michetti and drummer Josh Koop have less presence in the film but onstage, they’re a powerhouse rhythm section, while the band as a whole forge a strong connection with their audience, (“We have Monday off if you want us to play at your house”). While rock bands have often been compared to “dysfunctional families”, there are only occasional frayed nerves and debates about music. Kingswood’s camaraderie is evident in these frames.
Directed by first-timer Darcy Newton and made with a skimpy $50,000, the doco has a strong DIY feel, which is part of its charm. There are moments of unexpected humour (like when a musician they meet on the road looks into the camera and tells it to “fuck off”) and some gorgeous landscapes. The observational style foregoes narration and a streamlined narrative but, despite a somewhat bumpy start, Claptrap finds its feet and you find yourself increasingly warming to its style, which – it must be said – is not for everyone. While Kingswood have no issue finding their rhythm, Claptrap, on the other hand, takes a while to find its beat, but with its great music, it gets there. It is, ultimately, an enjoyable ride through a world of pubs, clubs and happy punters. You can almost smell the beer.
Claptrap screens as part of the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival on July 25 and July 28 at Cinema Nova. Click here for all ticketing information.
