The last novel by Ronald Hugh Morrieson revolves around a freezing plant worker (Peter McCauley) in an interracial marriage. For this little seen movie adaptation, the role of an English remittance man was expanded in an attempt to cast Peter O’Toole (New Zealand-born Bruce Spence got the role). Morrieson’s view of small-town Aotearoa is a dark one, as he explores racism, violence, suicide and blackmail. Bruno Lawrence contributes to Jonathan Crayford’s jazz-tinged score, and features in the wedding band. The freezing works scenes were shot at the defunct plant in Patea.
Tag: NEW ZEALAND
SKIN DEEP is about the events which follow the arrival of a city masseuse hoping to start a new life in Carlton, an apparently sleepy and conventional country town. Her arrival is instigated by progressive-minded businessmen who are raising funds to invent a new image for the town, aimed at boosting a declining local economy. But conflicts and tensions arise amongst the local people.