HEATH DAVIS

Director Heath Davis's debut feature-length film BROKE explores themes of homelessness, addiction and redemption as it tells the story of a disgraced rugby legend who is befriended by two of his most devoted fans. Starring a high calibre of talent including Steve Le Marquand, Max Cullen, Claire van der Boom, Steve Bastoni and Brendan Cowell it is a personal film that overflows with sincerity and a deep seeded earnestness, and is easily (in my mind) one of the most powerful Australian films of the year. Heath spent some time recently to field some of my questions. 

What is your background in film, and can you give us an idea of your cinematic journey so far?

Long story short I studied Communications at UWS and worked as a journalist for many years. I made a short film Spoon Man after graduating  which opened a lot of doors and lead to a feature script being optioned in LA. It's since been through several options and ten years later still not made. I kept busying writing other stuff and optioned a few more. Then I made a few other shorts Bella and Bee Sting which also did well but still couldn't get the features off the ground. Then I decided to create my own fate and wrote a low budget script called BROKE and put it together myself with the team I made short films with. I should've done that years ago

Is there a time in your life where you can pinpoint the moment you decided to pursue a career in filmmaking?

I've always been into writing  and would write scripts as a kid for fun. I liked to create the worlds I wish existed on the page and escaped in them. And I always loved movies. I've seen everything and used to feign illness in primary school so I could watch the midday movie. We didn't have a VCR then so couldn't tape them. And when an older mate of mine invited me to his film school grad short film I was like, hell, you can do this! 

​What are some of your earliest memories of cinema?

I remember we were one of the first families to get a BETA video player because a family friend went on a trip to Hong Kong. We went to the first video store to open up in St Marys in western Sydney and my dad hired Alien. I wasn't allowed to watch it as I was too young but I remember being captivated by the art work. Then I woke up early the next day and put it on silent so no one would hear me. I still have nightmares to this day lol.

Did you have a favourite film as a kid?

My dad is a Vietnam Vet so I grew up on a diet of war films. I remember seeing The Deer Hunter and was just blown away. But a couple of the big screen experiences that still resonate with me are Dances With Wolves and Born on the Fourth of July. 

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​Broke is your first feature-length film. What were some of your most unexpected challenges?

Essentially just how precarious a film is and how one bad day, or scene, can spoil the whole thing. Also shooting massively out of sequence was a challenge. And then the lengthy post process and now the battle to get the film seen. A director's job is never done. 

You have assembled an impressive cast. Can you discuss your casting process?

Well I wrote for Steve Le Marquand from the outset. I never really do that. But I had a feeling he would respond to the material and thankfully he did. Steve's what I call an actor attractor so once he was on board I knew he would be a draw card for others so whenever I would mention a name I consulted him and basically we cast it together. It was important he was invited into the process as we were shooting on a shoe string and he's in every scene.

​The rugby culture plays an integral part in grounding your story. Are you an NRL fan yourself, and can you explain what inspired you to write this particular story?

I'm a huge NRL fan. Actually film and footy are my favourite things. So I guess it was only a matter of time. I was tired of seeing rugby league constantly getting smeared in the press and also seeing some of my good friends - players and fans - struggling with gambling addiction and no one really helping. The sport and gambling are synonymous now. I had an idea of a fallen league hero caught in the grips of gambling addiction a decade ago and the issue just become more and more topical,  so I thought the time is right to tell this story.

What struck me most about the film was the sincerity of the three leads. There is a natural connection between them. What did you do to achieve such a rapport?

Well casting is key. Steve and Max have known each other a long time and have a similar kind of dynamic off screen. However, it was in the writing. The dynamic was on the page. I also made the cast live together under the one roof for pre and production which could've back fired but thankfully brought them together. I also never did individual rehearsals or reads. We were always an ensemble and I think that helped build a rapport. 

The film features decades-old archival television footage of past games. Was this footage real, or reenacted?
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Actual footage we found from a die hard fan on Facebook. In fact it's of the producer Luke Graham's father Mark who was a former Bears legend. He was a rangy backrower and looks a lot of Steve Le Marquand when he was younger. 

The music is perfectly understated and never intrudes on the narrative. Can you tell us about the score and how involved you were with it?

It needed something to compliment the action and not create the emotion of the scene for realism. Also all the songs in the film play organically via radio in the background bar one. As for the score I new Sam and Heather from The Jezabels could give this film another layer in terms of atmosphere. I definitely had references and guided the direction but they are the artists - you gotta let them do their thing. And they were we never far off. From the first demos I knew we had something special. I probably new they could do it more then they did as this is their first film composition. 

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​What were some of the biggest cinematic influences on Broke?

We looked at The Wrestler as a good prototype in terms of tone and style. Also The Fighter. Those two contemporary films did great work establishing authenticity. Also early Gus van Sant stuff like Drugstore Cowboy. 

It has enjoyed a strong festival run. How has it been received by international audiences?

I've been blown away by the responses. We have won like 5 awards too. People see it as a human condition story and its themes are universal. It's cool to see Rugby League being introduced to parts of the world it never would, too.

What's next for the film?

It's now starting its theatrical run across Australia and New Zealand so hopefully good word of mouth will see it have a decent run. We are relying on the kindness of strangers to help spread the word.

What can audiences expect from you next?

I have a black comedy I'm currently kicking the tyres on called Book Week with Brendan Cowell in the lead. It's another low budget, character piece but with much more humour this time around. Well at least I think it's funny!

Heath, thank you for taking the time. Broke is an exceptional film and I wish you all the best with it.   

​Broke has a string of event screenings across the country throughout April and May. Click here to check for information.