Heath Ledger in Two Hands at the Como Theatre - Exhumed Cinema at Strange Festival

Como Theatre
Photo Credit: Anthony Tran

On a cool winter’s evening, my partner and I headed to the Como Theatre (in its previous life it was  known as the Cygnet Cinema).

This theatre brings back fond memories of when I was younger and my family used to go there to watch a movie and spend time together.

Stepping into the renovated theatre was a treat as we admired its restored art deco trimmings in all their splendour, with intricate nautical motifs adorning the side of the walls near our seats.

Armed with a big box of popcorn and a drink we listened to a live music performance by singer songwriter Rachael Coltrona, giving a song tribute to the Two Hands soundtrack.

Two Hands is a cult classic (1999) starring Perth’s own Heath Ledger. In this quintessential Aussie film about bad guys in King's Cross, Ledger plays the role of a Jimmy, a young strip club promoter who gets in trouble with Sydney gangsters when his first job for them goes seriously wrong.

Its a thriller, crime and a comedy all in one.

With snacks in hand we settled into the comfy theatre chairs for a thrilling ride. And a thrilling (and comedic) ride it was as we watched poor old young Jimmy struggle to get himself out the clutches of Pando's (Bryan Brown) gang, as he goes to desperate lengths to get his hands on $10 000 to replace the money he lost.

While dodging the gangsters and trying to make a score, Jimmy still finds time for a sweet romance with country girl Alex, his friend's little sister just arrived in the city from the country. 

Two Hands is an entertaining and fun movie that doesn't take itself too seriously – one of a program of “reel” cinema which is showing as part of the Strange Festival. 

Kudos to the duo of Satria Leech and Robbie Denman at Revival House Perth for making it happen 
nightly.

Movie goers who would like to reminisce about old times (or for the younger generation – for some it may be their first time watching some of these movies!) can indulge in a range of cult and classic movies on 16mm and 35mm.

Exhumed Cinema at Strange Festival will screen nightly for 20 days and kicks off on Friday 14 June.

The program for the Strange Festival including the Exhumed Cinema program can be found here .

If you enjoyed this article, please share it!