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The Magician (2005 film)

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The Magician
Theatrical release poster
Directed byScott Ryan
Written byScott Ryan
Produced byMichele Bennett
Nash Edgerton
Mark Vennis
StarringScott Ryan
Ben Walker
Massimiliano Andrighetto
CinematographyMassimiliano Andrighetto
Edited byScott Ryan
Nash Edgerton
Production
companies
I Will Films
Blue-Tongue Films
Distributed byHopscotch Productions
Trinity Filmed Entertainment
Release date
  • 18 June 2005 (2005-06-18) (Sydney Film Festival)
Running time
85 minutes
CountryAustralia
LanguageEnglish
BudgetA$3,000
Box officeA$182,164

The Magician is a 2005 Australian film written and directed by Scott Ryan.[1] It is a found footage crime comedy drama in which a hitman (Ryan), is filmed as he goes about his daily life as a career criminal. The film was originally shot over 10 days with a budget of A$3,000. Ryan edited a half-hour version of the film for screening at the St. Kilda Film Festival, where it was seen by stuntman and film producer Nash Edgerton (brother of Joel Edgerton), who took the project under his wing. After receiving A$330,000 in government grants, the film was re-released in 2005.

Plot

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A mockumentary that follows the escapades of Ray Shoesmith, a Melbourne underworld hitman who hires a film student to document his life.

Cast

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  • Scott Ryan as Ray Shoesmith
  • Ben Walker as Tony Richards
  • Massimiliano Andrighetto as Massimo "Max" Totti
  • Kane Mason as Benny
  • Nathaniel Lindsay as Edna

Box office

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The Magician grossed $182,164 at the box office in Australia.[2]

Reception

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The film holds a 75% approval rating from critics based on 16 reviews at Rotten Tomatoes.[3]

Awards and nominations

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Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards
Year Category Recipients Result
2005 Best Actor in a Lead Role Scott Ryan Nominated
IF Awards
Year Category Recipients Result
2005 Best Actor Scott Ryan Nominated
Independent Spirit Award Nash Edgerton, Scott Ryan, Michele Bennett Nominated
Melbourne Underground Film Festival
Year Category Recipients Result
2003 Best Actor Scott Ryan Won
Best Director Scott Ryan Won
Best Film Scott Ryan Won

Spinoff series

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A television spinoff based on the Ray Shoesmith character premiered on FX in 2018 titled Mr Inbetween. Ryan reprised his role, and served as writer and producer on the show. Nash Edgerton also served as producer and directed every episode. The show ran for 3 seasons and drew critical acclaim.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Hill, Simon. "The Magician Review". Celluloid Dreams. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  2. ^ Film Victoria - Australian Films at the Australian Box Office
  3. ^ "The Magician". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Production underway on local FX drama, Mr Inbetween. | TV Tonight".
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