Duet for Four

It's hard to believe that a writer like David Williamson, who wrote terrific screenplays for films like "The Club" and "Don's Party" could make a dull film. It's hard to believe that director Tim Burstall, who'd collaborated with Williamson on the flawed but fascinating "Petersen", could make a dull film.

But unfortunately "Duet For Four" is a dull film.

This drama about a middle-aged businessman dealing with overseas takeover attempts, his ex-wife, troubled daughter and current partner seems potentially interesting but none of Williamson's usual incisiveness or Burstall's bluntness is on display.

It just ambles from one narrative incident to another without much passion or purpose. One suspects if DFF had been made in the mid-1970s it would've reflected the tumult, upheaval and radicalisation of that era and a more impassioned film would've resulted. But instead it feels complacent and safe.

That's not to say DFF is a horrible film. It's fairly easy to watch and has an interesting cast, including Diane Cilento in one of her rare post-1970 roles.

But overall this is a forgettable film and one of Williamson's weakest screenplays.