A sprawling true life crime makes for dynamite television.
They were men determined to stop at nothing for the sake of revenge and power. They cut off their rivals at the knees without a second thought, swearing like troopers, flying in the face of authority and social mores. They were determined to rule a city, to remain number one and to bask in their own glory.
No they aren’t Channel Nine executives, they are the gangsters of the Melbourne underworld, brought to ‘life’ in a stunning 13-part mini-series that was greenlighted under the reign of former CEO, Eddie McGuire. Bite my lip, bite my lip.
Dramatising the Leadbelly book by John Silvester and Andrew Rule, this will be seen as Melbourne’s answer to the acclaimed Sydney crime drama, Blue Murder. But good storytelling is good storytelling and obliterates any apprehensions of being a ‘Melbourne story’.
Nine has shot every scene of this vast story on location, many where the story actually unfolded between 1995 and 2004. The realism is one of the show’s best attributes.
Underbelly opens with a rocking soundtrack and hand-held cameras. It is sporadically narrated by policewoman Jacqui James (Caroline Craig), investigating the first murder by underworld boss Alphonse Gangitano (Vince Colosimo).
Colosimo is magnificent as the ‘Prince of Lygon Street’. His presence dominates scenes with Mafioso malevolence. Both family man and thug, he is driven by power, with a hint of Catholic guilt.
Gangitano is shielded by his Italian circle, including Jason Moran, a comeback role for Les Hill that will eradicate any memories of him on Home and Away.
Gyton Grantley as Carl ‘Babyface’ Williams provides some of the story’s much-needed relief. He is portrayed as a simpleton who will rise through the ranks via ambition rather than backbone. The cast is bolstered by a formidable roll-call including Rodger Corser, Caroline Gilmer, Robert Mammone, Martin Sacks, Frankie J. Holden and George Kapiniaris. Many more names will follow: Alex Dimitriadis, Damian Walshe-Howling, Marcus Graham, Dan Wyllie and Madeleine West.
In the hands of Screentime’s Greg Haddrick (MDA, The Society Murders, Jessica) and Brenda Pam (Mary Bryant) this a comprehensive, testosterone-driven essay charged with sinister performances. Peter Gawler’s dialogue is taut, profane and arrogant. Tony Tilse’s direction balances individual perspectives within a large, Greek (or rather, Italian) tragedy.
One or two shots give away that period Melbourne was actually shot in 2007. This aside, Underbelly looks set to be one of the highlights of the 2008 television year.
Don’t miss it.
Underbelly premieres in February on Nine.
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form
