Martin Henderson

Reviewed by Meenu
June 30, 2006

LITTLE FISH ...

I saw Little Fish last year when it came out. I must admit I was waiting for quite some time for the release so it’s an understatement that I was eager and excited. The movies starts off with an introduction to Tracy (Kate Blanchett) and one realises almost immediately that this girl is struggling with life. As the movie moves on I kept wonder where Martin Henderson was. Then there is a scene where Tracy is on the phone with Ray (Martin Henderson) and I heard his voice! My heart jumped a beat. After that Ray appears with a limp and the most owesome long hair and beard. I do like him in that look.

One thing that’s established immediately is that he is acting well in this movie. However in this first scene it’s too early to underline that. He does the best limp though! LOL I loved the way this scene was shot between mother and son. There is a good rapport between Ray and Janelle (Noni Hazelhurst).

Janelle giving money to Ray. A childhood photo of Tracy and Ray in her wallet.	A kiss between mother and son.

We go on to see the criminal side of Ray in the following scene. Dressed in a flashy red shirt- typically an ‘Aussie Bogan’ he deals drugs and discusses business with Steven (Joel Tobeck). Martin acts extremely well in this scene showing expressions of anxiety, fear, shaky confidence and confusion. His shady expressions are also good when he hands over the drugs to a teen girl- stuffed into small soy sauce fish shaped plastic decanters. It was very funny seeing this, sushi being my favourite lunch I always get the soy sauce in these exact same plastic decanters. Good- every time I eat sushi I think of Ray! Wonder what Ray was meant to be reading in that newspaper though LOL.

Drug filled plastic soy-sauce decanters.

The next time Ray appears is during the infamous birthday dinner. A lot is happening here enlightening us about the past of Johnny (Dustin Nguyen) and Tracy. We also find out how Ray lost his leg.

Noni’s acting skills are amazing! The whole shouting and blaming scene when she attacks Johnny is applaudable.

Martin does extremely well with Ray’s table manners and chewing skills. His expression is priceless when Tracy announces that her loan was approved by the bank. By now the movie grips you completely.

Next morning- after the birthday dinner we see Johnny and Ray drugging up together. They are watching random programmes on TV, whales in Sydney...science-fiction...Even as a sad, lonely, druggie and ungroomed man- Martin has an aura about him. He is handsome in all his being.

Ray reflecting while high.

His eyes particularly stand out. They are a beautiful green and compliment the colour of his hair and skin.

What comes next is some sarcasm from Ray towards Tracy when he arrives at her place in the morning. Both Ray and Tracy take lifts from Janelle. Ray meets up with Johnny and they have another meeting with Steven. Fear and anxiety on Ray’s face is portrayed well by Martin.

Another side of Ray’s personality is revealed here. He’s apparently promised to buy Janelle a new house and has been taking her to view open houses. He is anticipating loads of money coming through once the drug deal is sealed with Steven.

The scene with Lionel (Hugo Weaving) is very intense. One can see the resentment on Ray’s face about his relationship with Lionel. Ray has to deliver drugs to Lionel who has lost his regular dealer’s contact and he is certainly not happy about it. Martin plays well with his eyes however his face looked a bit chubby in this scene.

Look of resentment.	Fabulous expressions using eyes.

Some more scenes follow where Ray tries to talk Tracy out of coming with him and Johnny for the drop off. Ray is a caring brother- surprisingly. The movie eventually moves into the countryside setting which is where the drug deal is. Lionel’s dead body is found, the dealer is missing and there has been a murder.

A whole lot of confusion and mania is portrayed by Tracy and Ray. Johnny however is very calm and composed… or so it seems. Martin does the most natural Aussie accent ever- the local, typical Cabramatta street accent. Tracy is pumping Lionel’s heart trying to revive him and Ray says, ‘Keep gowin, keep gowin…’ which is amazing to hear. You have to watch this on the DVD to enjoy it in its full glory.

The movie at this point has a scary feel to it. Not knowing what would come out of this drug deal that’s gone bad- the director made me sit on the edge of my seat asking for more. The dark dim light of these last few scenes is so appropriate and captures the heat of the moment nicely.

Ray urging Tracy to help Lionel.	Expressions of fear and shock.

During the drive back to the city Ray is quiet in the car- like the others. They decide to drive to the beach since Tracy had promised Lionel a trip to the beach. Contrast to the ‘drug deal gone bad’ scene- the beach scene is bright, sunny and full of hope. The movie ends on a positive note. There is redemption and hope. Unaware of the fortune Lionel has left them, Tracy and Ray seem to be at peace and relaxed.

Martin talks about the research he did with the help of Director Rowan Woods. He says that it really helped him get into the role of Ray.	Martin and Rowan Woods at a desk discussing the character of Ray.

The Behind the Scenes section of the DVD has footage of the research and development of the project ‘Little Fish’. Martin talks with great interest of his character and one can see that he’s proud of his portrayal of Ray.