Tuna (2013)

Tuna Poster

First part of a trilogy. Made in 2000 but not released until Adam De Coster uploaded it to YouTube in 2013.

Film Overview
"Tuna" is an independent Australian drama-mystery movie released in 2013. The movie is directed by Dylan Haveron and stars Alister Gall, Jared Hargreaves, and Olivia Jaye Charlton. The film features a touch of dark funny as it tells the story of Jim, a man whose peaceful rural life takes an unanticipated turn as he becomes laced in an internet of secret and intrigue.

Plot Summary
The story begins when Jim, a shy office worker, discovers a crime book which seems linked with real life. Jim finds himself thrust into a reality-packed criminal activity examination after finding a Tuna at his doorstep and ending up being the target of a murder plot explained in a strange book he discovers in his belongings. The movie slowly unravels a bizarre and apparently connected sequence of occasions following different characters in the neighborhood, each dealing with their dramas and peculiarities.

Character Development
Jim, portrayed by Alister Gall, is an interesting lead character. He's a socially awkward and lonely individual surrounded by a significantly weird truth. As the proof starts to accumulate, his disbelief wanes, and he handles the role of an amateur investigator, trying to piece together the hints that unfold all around him. He tries to manipulate the events in the book to his advantage, taking his fate into his own hands, revealing new dimensions of his otherwise quiet character.

Mystery and Humor
"Tuna" combines aspects of secret, thriller, and dark humor, to develop a special cinematic experience. The absurdity of the setup - a mysterious Tuna fish, a murder mystery book connected to real-life events - brings humor to the otherwise grim story. The humor is often dry and situational, and its addition includes another layer of intrigue to the story. The small suburban neighborhood where the story occurs becomes a surreal world of dark secret and criminal activity, where the mundane and amazing collide.

Visual Aesthetic and Cinematic Style
"Tuna" relies heavily on its visual appeal and narrative style to draw audiences into its secret. The movie's unique cinematographic style enhances the mysterious, unusual nature of the narrative. Haveron successfully utilizes recycled and constrained areas to create an insular, eerie world. The film is shot and edited in a minimalist yet impactful design that remarkably serves its narrative.

Last Thoughts
"Tuna" is a distinct film that records the essence of independent cinema. Its non-traditional plot, laced with dark comedy, surreal components, and relatable characters is what sets it apart. With a problematic but enduring lead character and a wacky, interwoven narrative, "Tuna" shows to be an extremely appealing watch, albeit with a side of confusion and amusement at the sheer absurdity of the series of extraordinary occasions. This interesting mock-crime drama promises a rollercoaster of feelings, from shock and mystery to laughter and compassion. It's an unique movie that assesses the ordinariness of life while gradually peeling back the layers to expose the remarkable and unusual that often lies underneath.

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