Prior to violence in movies whether terrifying or comical, or even horror on screen, there was that post-Renaissance early incarnation, Punch And Judy. And those puppetry plays for adults and children alike, intended to summon audience laughter at the sight of pummeled and battered victims - with Judy spouse Punch heralded for his brutality. And ironically, a European tradition dating back to Ancient Greece, when audience pleasure, in particular sports events, proliferated as a mechanism to substitute for war. Though hardly as effective today, when it comes to football season.
Set in the 17th century Welsh town of Seaside, writer/director Mirrah Foulkes' stylishly lyrical feminist fable Judy & Punch has much more on its mind to ideologically turn on its head than just the title.With both musical and socio-political surprise flourishes in the here and now popping up, Judy & Punch features a backward and brawling population of drunk when not depraved denizens.
And, where sparse entertainment is provided at the local pub by the Punch & Judy Show. A collaborative effort of husband and wife puppeteers Mr. Punch (Damon Herriman) and Judy (Mia Wasikowska), the real brains behind the creation is Judy. While the brawn literally is her untalented other half, with egotistically frustrated, simmering tendencies by Mr. Punch, towards domestic violence.
Without delving further into the cruel and tragic events that ensue in this nevertheless invigorating and enchantingly told tale, the boldly irreverent anti-patriarchal parable critiques a me-too menu of historical atrocities that includes mass superstition, vigilante justice, the persecution and sacrifice of women as witches, domestic violence, a righteous uprising of designated ancient heretics, rebels and outcasts - and euphoric raw and real feminist flights of fantasy tying it up all nicely together. And a timely treat as well for March Women's History Month.
Prairie Miller
