I LIVE WITH ME DAD

I Live With Me Dad is a long lost, forgotten Aussie gem. I had it taped off the TV as a kid and it was yet another one of those videos that I wore right down. There was something about it that spoke to me then... perhaps it was the first time I had comprehended poverty. Seeing a kid my age on the streets was confronting. I watched it tonight for the first time in almost 20 years and it all came flooding back. It tells the story of a homeless man and his son, who live in boxes underneath bridges and spend their days dodging cops and welfare officers. Their bond is inseparable and their love for each other keeps the dad from throwing it all in. He carries demons with him, which he drowns with alcohol. It's a heartbreakingly beautiful film with fantastic performances. There is a lot of talent on display here, too including Dennis Miller, Peter Hehir, Rebecca Gibney and Tommy Dysart... but it's little Hayden Samuels who steals the show. What a performance. The final line of the film has him embrace his old man with a look of absolute devotion. He says "I love you dad" and melts the stoniest of hearts. What a shame the film has faded away over the years. I would love to see it restored. 

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