Lantana FYC
Lantana FYC DVD VIDEO MOVIE Australian Anthony LaPaglia psychological drama NEW
Movie
DVD
Lions Gate Films
2001
DVD
$7.99
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LANTANA FYC (FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION)
Overview:
Lantana is a 2001 Australian psychological drama that interweaves multiple characters and relationships to explore themes of trust, betrayal, grief and emotional disconnection. The film is notable for its ensemble cast, its patient, observational pacing, and a moody visual style that uses the invasive lantana shrub as a recurring symbol for entangled lives.
Key personnel:
Starring: Anthony LaPaglia (central role)
Also featuring: a strong ensemble cast of Australian actors
Director: Ray Lawrence
Writer: Andrew Bovell (screenplay)
Synopsis (expanded):
At its core, Lantana follows the aftershocks of a disappearance and the unraveling of several suburban relationships. Detective figures and ordinary couples are drawn into an emotionally complex investigation that reveals infidelity, long-suppressed regrets, and fragile mental states. The narrative moves between characters and timelines, unfolding through conversations, quiet domestic scenes, and charged confrontations. Rather than relying on a single protagonist’s arc, the film maps the emotional topography of a community in crisis.
Anthony LaPaglia’s role and performance:
Anthony LaPaglia plays a central figure whose job as an investigator puts him in close proximity to the private wounds of others while revealing his own vulnerabilities. LaPaglia’s performance is restrained and layered: he balances professional detachment with personal confusion, showing how a person skilled at parsing other people’s motives can be blind to their own heartache. The role showcases his capacity for subtle, inward acting—small gestures, looks and pauses that communicate deep emotional friction.
Themes and motifs:
Entanglement: The lantana shrub functions as a metaphor for relationships that grow quickly and choke the spaces around them, suggesting how unresolved issues spread.
Communication breakdown: The film persistently examines how people misread each other or fail to share painful truths, leading to isolation.
Grief and suspicion: Loss—both apparent and hidden—drives characters toward suspicion, mistrust and self-examination.
Moral ambiguity: Few characters are purely heroic or villainous; instead, the film emphasizes complexity and the messy moral choices of everyday life.
Style and cinematography:
The film favors a subdued color palette and composed, often lingering shots that emphasize mood over plot mechanics. Interiors are intimate and claustrophobic at times, while exterior suburban streets and gardens are framed to highlight how ordinary settings can feel fraught with tension. Close-ups are used sparingly but effectively—emphasizing unspoken emotions and the internal states of characters.
Music and sound:
Rather than bombastic scoring, Lantana relies on understated music cues and careful sound design to underline emotional beats. Ambient sounds—traffic, household noises, footsteps—are integrated to heighten realism and to punctuate moments of quiet revelation.
Production and locations:
The film was shot in Australian urban and suburban locations, using real neighborhoods to anchor the drama in a recognizably lived-in environment. Production design emphasizes domestic detail—rooms, personal effects and gardens—so that the viewer feels the intimacy and tension of each household.
Critical reception and legacy:
Lantana received strong critical attention for its mature storytelling, ensemble performances and psychological depth. Audiences and critics praised the film’s ability to draw rich character portraits without resorting to melodrama. Over time, it has been regarded as an important Australian film of its era, noted for elevating the ensemble drama and for its unsparing look at contemporary relationships.
Why it matters:
It demonstrates how character-driven cinema can probe emotional truth while maintaining narrative tension.
The film’s use of a natural motif (lantana) to mirror emotional states is a powerful example of visual symbolism in modern drama.
Performances—including Anthony LaPaglia’s—offer nuanced studies in restraint and ambiguity, making the film a useful reference for actors and students of screen acting.
Discussion points for viewers or students:
How does the film use the suburban setting to reflect the inner lives of characters?
In what ways does the lantana motif operate both literally and metaphorically?
Which scenes depend most heavily on subtext, and how do the actors communicate that subtext?
How does the film balance a detective-story framework with domestic melodrama?
Recommended for:
Viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas, films that probe moral ambiguity, and works that emphasize mood, performance and psychological realism over plot-driven suspense. It’s also a strong pick for film study groups focused on acting technique, screenwriting that interweaves multiple storylines, or the use of visual metaphors in cinema.
Further reading and viewing suggestions:
Explore interviews with the director and principal cast to learn about casting choices and the approach to rehearsals and performance.
Pair the film with other contemporary ensemble dramas that explore suburban malaise and relationship breakdowns for comparative study.
Read analyses of the film’s screenplay to see how interlocking character arcs are constructed for maximum emotional payoff.
In short: Lantana is a formally assured, emotionally complex film anchored by Anthony LaPaglia’s thoughtful lead performance and supported by an ensemble cast and meticulous, symbolic filmmaking. It remains a compelling study of human entanglement, memory and the fragile architecture of relationships.
LANTANA
Presented by Lions Gate Films.
An acclaimed Australian drama that earned multiple industry recognitions. Credits and awards listed on the cover include:
Best Picture — Jan Chapman (Producer)
Best Actor — Anthony LaPaglia
Best Supporting Actor — Geoffrey Rush
Best Supporting Actress — Kerry Armstrong
Best Supporting Actress — Barbara Hershey
Best Director — Ray Lawrence
Best Screenplay (Based on material previously produced or published) — Andrew Bovell (based on his own play)
Best Cinematography — Mandy Walker
Best Film Editing — Karl Sodersten
Best Makeup — Robbie Pickering
Best Original Score — Paul Kelly
For DVD Player (North American NTSC)
Overview:
Lantana is a 2001 Australian psychological drama that interweaves multiple characters and relationships to explore themes of trust, betrayal, grief and emotional disconnection. The film is notable for its ensemble cast, its patient, observational pacing, and a moody visual style that uses the invasive lantana shrub as a recurring symbol for entangled lives.
Key personnel:
Starring: Anthony LaPaglia (central role)
Also featuring: a strong ensemble cast of Australian actors
Director: Ray Lawrence
Writer: Andrew Bovell (screenplay)
Synopsis (expanded):
At its core, Lantana follows the aftershocks of a disappearance and the unraveling of several suburban relationships. Detective figures and ordinary couples are drawn into an emotionally complex investigation that reveals infidelity, long-suppressed regrets, and fragile mental states. The narrative moves between characters and timelines, unfolding through conversations, quiet domestic scenes, and charged confrontations. Rather than relying on a single protagonist’s arc, the film maps the emotional topography of a community in crisis.
Anthony LaPaglia’s role and performance:
Anthony LaPaglia plays a central figure whose job as an investigator puts him in close proximity to the private wounds of others while revealing his own vulnerabilities. LaPaglia’s performance is restrained and layered: he balances professional detachment with personal confusion, showing how a person skilled at parsing other people’s motives can be blind to their own heartache. The role showcases his capacity for subtle, inward acting—small gestures, looks and pauses that communicate deep emotional friction.
Themes and motifs:
Entanglement: The lantana shrub functions as a metaphor for relationships that grow quickly and choke the spaces around them, suggesting how unresolved issues spread.
Communication breakdown: The film persistently examines how people misread each other or fail to share painful truths, leading to isolation.
Grief and suspicion: Loss—both apparent and hidden—drives characters toward suspicion, mistrust and self-examination.
Moral ambiguity: Few characters are purely heroic or villainous; instead, the film emphasizes complexity and the messy moral choices of everyday life.
Style and cinematography:
The film favors a subdued color palette and composed, often lingering shots that emphasize mood over plot mechanics. Interiors are intimate and claustrophobic at times, while exterior suburban streets and gardens are framed to highlight how ordinary settings can feel fraught with tension. Close-ups are used sparingly but effectively—emphasizing unspoken emotions and the internal states of characters.
Music and sound:
Rather than bombastic scoring, Lantana relies on understated music cues and careful sound design to underline emotional beats. Ambient sounds—traffic, household noises, footsteps—are integrated to heighten realism and to punctuate moments of quiet revelation.
Production and locations:
The film was shot in Australian urban and suburban locations, using real neighborhoods to anchor the drama in a recognizably lived-in environment. Production design emphasizes domestic detail—rooms, personal effects and gardens—so that the viewer feels the intimacy and tension of each household.
Critical reception and legacy:
Lantana received strong critical attention for its mature storytelling, ensemble performances and psychological depth. Audiences and critics praised the film’s ability to draw rich character portraits without resorting to melodrama. Over time, it has been regarded as an important Australian film of its era, noted for elevating the ensemble drama and for its unsparing look at contemporary relationships.
Why it matters:
It demonstrates how character-driven cinema can probe emotional truth while maintaining narrative tension.
The film’s use of a natural motif (lantana) to mirror emotional states is a powerful example of visual symbolism in modern drama.
Performances—including Anthony LaPaglia’s—offer nuanced studies in restraint and ambiguity, making the film a useful reference for actors and students of screen acting.
Discussion points for viewers or students:
How does the film use the suburban setting to reflect the inner lives of characters?
In what ways does the lantana motif operate both literally and metaphorically?
Which scenes depend most heavily on subtext, and how do the actors communicate that subtext?
How does the film balance a detective-story framework with domestic melodrama?
Recommended for:
Viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas, films that probe moral ambiguity, and works that emphasize mood, performance and psychological realism over plot-driven suspense. It’s also a strong pick for film study groups focused on acting technique, screenwriting that interweaves multiple storylines, or the use of visual metaphors in cinema.
Further reading and viewing suggestions:
Explore interviews with the director and principal cast to learn about casting choices and the approach to rehearsals and performance.
Pair the film with other contemporary ensemble dramas that explore suburban malaise and relationship breakdowns for comparative study.
Read analyses of the film’s screenplay to see how interlocking character arcs are constructed for maximum emotional payoff.
In short: Lantana is a formally assured, emotionally complex film anchored by Anthony LaPaglia’s thoughtful lead performance and supported by an ensemble cast and meticulous, symbolic filmmaking. It remains a compelling study of human entanglement, memory and the fragile architecture of relationships.
LANTANA
Presented by Lions Gate Films.
An acclaimed Australian drama that earned multiple industry recognitions. Credits and awards listed on the cover include:
Best Picture — Jan Chapman (Producer)
Best Actor — Anthony LaPaglia
Best Supporting Actor — Geoffrey Rush
Best Supporting Actress — Kerry Armstrong
Best Supporting Actress — Barbara Hershey
Best Director — Ray Lawrence
Best Screenplay (Based on material previously produced or published) — Andrew Bovell (based on his own play)
Best Cinematography — Mandy Walker
Best Film Editing — Karl Sodersten
Best Makeup — Robbie Pickering
Best Original Score — Paul Kelly
For DVD Player (North American NTSC)
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
