James Reyne, the former actor-turned-musician, reflects on his past relationship with Vera Plevnik, a talented student he met at the Victorian College of the Arts. Their story is intertwined with the film 'Going Down', a 1983 Australian drama that has recently been rediscovered and is now getting a second life in cinemas.
Reyne, who was studying to be an actor, met Plevnik, a wildly talented student, and they became a couple. Plevnik's talent was evident in her Logie win for the TV series 'The Sullivans' and her role in the film 'Monkey Grip'. However, their relationship ended when Plevnik was killed in a car accident in 1982 while shooting 'Going Down'.
The film, directed by Haydn Keenan, features Reyne singing 'What's It Like' over a tracking shot of a party in a Sydney share house. It centers on four young women, played by Plevnik, Tracy Mann, Julie Barry, and Moira MacLaine-Cross, on their last night out before one leaves for New York. The film was warmly reviewed but struggled to find distributors, eventually being released by Keenan himself in 1983.
'Going Down' captures a moment in Australia's social history, reflecting the nightlife in Kings Cross and the drug culture of the time. Reyne loved the film and believes it showcases Plevnik's great acting abilities. He recalls laughing and relating to the film's portrayal of life in share houses and the parties they attended.
The film's resurgence is thanks to American filmmaker and distributor Elizabeth Purchell, who found an imported VHS copy in a New York video store. She recognized its female-centered narrative and evocative portrayal of the time and place. After restoration in 4K, 'Going Down' had a boutique cinema release in the US and is now getting a second life in Australian cinemas.
Reyne is thrilled with the film's revival, praising its authenticity and the energy it captures. He appreciates that it was about young women, a rarity in contemporary Australian films at the time. Keenan, the director, is equally excited, grateful for the film's restoration and the opportunity to introduce it to new audiences.
'Going Down' is a testament to the explosive energy of Australian culture in the 1980s and a reminder of the talent that Vera Plevnik brought to the screen. Her tragic death at a young age left an indelible mark on the film industry, and her legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences through 'Going Down'.
