Much of the comic value lies in the sheer audacity of what these guys are doing--nudity is such a taboo in Western society that their pure non-sexual childishness comes across as unthreatening, innocent and shockingly funny (tellingly, an audience in a nudist colony isn't shocked at all, and doesn't find it very funny either). The overreactions of the authorities, therefore, come as a surprise. And the guys seem genuinely amused that anyone at all wants to watch them. Sadly, this documentary is an inside job, so it only brushes against the issues involved, never gets any telling audience reactions (they're merely hilarious) and pretty much ignores the obviously huge tensions between Morley and Friend. It's also very badly produced on home video. But the subject matter is so jaw-dropping that it holds our interest--and there are some nice touches along the way to keep us chuckling.

nudity, language

10.Apr.01 London Australian Film Festival

R E A D E R   R E V I E W S