Then it emerged the killer’s real name would not be used in the film titled Nitram – the killer’s name backwards. I began to reconsider my position as the first trailers were released, one featuring a gripping performance by Judy Davis, who plays the troubled killer’s hapless mother.
After Nitram received critical acclaim and rave reviews at last week’s Cannes Film Festival, I have now changed my mind. It is fast becoming apparent Nitram is going to be making a lot of noise in the coming months.
And if it delivers, it could be one of the most important Australian films in recent memory, especially as an entirely new generation of Australians, who were not around when Port Arthur happened, see it.
Nitram is sparking an uncomfortable and confronting conversation about Australia, guns and our culture, but it’s a discussion that is vitally important to have, even though unyielding trauma means not everyone will be able to engage in it.