8 Even More Forgotten Films From The 80’s You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

1. Malcolm (1986)

Now this is my personal opinion and in no way represents the views of this website, but I feel that the Australian film industry has become quite stagnant as of late. Whereas once we were innovators of industry (just ask Quentin Tarantino), now we seemingly are only capable of rehashing tired old, cliché ridden drama that reeks of cheap, soap opera style dribble. There is a serious lack of vision in this country and I think a film like Malcolm with its unconventional comedy only highlights this fact.

Now although I had seen this in my youth I could not recall specific parts so I decided to track it down and re watch it before I included it in my article. Turned out to be easier said than done, as apart from a trailer on youtube I could find no references or way to view this once acclaimed comedy. I eventually found a version using the infamous Pirate Bay, but not after scrolling through countless pages of Malcolm in the Middle episodes and versions of Malcolm X.

Which I think is tragic when it comes to my own homeland as this film represented a certain genius that has become lost in a sea of mediocrity and an Americanized medium. The latter not necessarily a bad thing but NOT when it comes at the expense of your own unique visionary style of storytelling that was once heralded around the world as true, genre defining film making.

Starring a very Young Colin Friels (Darkman, Dark City) and a plethora of established Australian actors, it chronicles the story of an incredibly shy, possibly autistic, but amazingly talented mechanical genius whom after is fired from his job for building his own tram, allows a career criminal just released from prison and his girlfriend to move in as boarders to help pay the bills.

With an unlikely friendship blossoming Malcolm decides to join his new found friends in the business of bank robbery, utilizing his knowledge to help foil the police in various, ingenious ways.

Although the film does have its flaws, considering the shoestring budget and the simple fact that Hollywood had absolutely no part in creating this movie, what they managed to pull off is quite remarkable. Guaranteed to bring a smile to even the most cynical of faces, the crazy gadgets and heartfelt sentiment combine to create a rather unique Australian comedy.

I mean, that is what I used to love about Australian cinema, it never tried to compete in anyway, it just tried to be Australian. Films like the Mad Max Trilogy, Romper Stomper, Crocodile Dundee (the original), Strictly Ballroom, Priscilla, Young Einstein (and many more I can't mention due to spacing issues). all of them were a lot more concerned about telling a story and sharing our beloved culture to the world. Rather than just bury it under a cloak of fake mediocrity disguised as Australian cinema.

Damn, Mad Max: Fury Road better be awesome, or....