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National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive

Nitram meets Helen

2021

Nitram meets Helen

2021

  • NFSA ID741WTJRB
  • TypeFilm
  • MediumMoving Image
  • FormFeature Film
  • GenresBiographical, Drama
  • Year2021

Nitram (2022), directed by Justin Kurzel, examines the lead-up to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. American actor Caleb Landry Jones portrays the troubled young man behind one of Australia’s most devastating events. Kurzel and screenwriter Shaun Grant focus on gun violence, mental illness, and bullying, carefully steering clear of exploitation.

This scene is the moment when Nitram first meets the reclusive heiress, Helen (Essie Davis), who will become his only close friend. The lighting and framing in this scene perfectly convey Helen's isolation, and the performances skilfully signpost the connection that is about to develop between them.

Caleb Landry Jones won the Best Actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival 2021 for this performance.

Nitram (2022), directed by Justin Kurzel, examines the lead-up to the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. American actor Caleb Landry Jones portrays the troubled young man behind one of Australia’s most devastating events. Kurzel and screenwriter Shaun Grant focus on gun violence, mental illness, and bullying, carefully steering clear of exploitation.

This scene is the moment when Nitram first meets the reclusive heiress, Helen (Essie Davis), who will become his only close friend. The lighting and framing in this scene perfectly convey Helen's isolation, and the performances skilfully signpost the connection that is about to develop between them.

Caleb Landry Jones won the Best Actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival 2021 for this performance.

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