Watch Dr Plonk

Dr Plonk is a 2007 Australian film directed and written by Rolf de Heer. The film is a silent movie, set in 1907, following the story of the titular character, Dr Plonk (Nigel Martin), a scientist who creates a time machine to prevent the Earth's impending doom. Dr Plonk is a mad scientist who lives in a small shack in the suburbs of Adelaide. He's a bit of a bumbling figure, with a knack for inventing bizarre contraptions that never seem to work properly. However, when he discovers that the world will end in 2008 unless he can travel back in time and prevent the event that caused it, he sets about building a time machine.

The time machine he creates is a rickety contraption, powered by a plunger and a series of clockwork mechanisms. Despite his lack of confidence in the machine, Dr Plonk decides to test it out by traveling back to 1907. Once there, he meets a variety of characters, including a group of suffragettes, a grumpy old landlady, and a young woman named Olive (Magda Szubanski) who becomes his sidekick.

As they travel through time, Dr Plonk and Olive encounter a series of comedic mishaps and misunderstandings. They struggle to communicate with the people they encounter, and Dr Plonk's inventions often cause chaos and confusion. However, as the deadline for the end of the world approaches, they must work together to find a way to prevent the disaster.

The film is notable for its use of silent film techniques, including intertitles, exaggerated acting, and slapstick comedy. Despite its retro aesthetic, the film tackles a range of topical issues, including gender equality and environmentalism.

Nigel Martin delivers a standout performance as the bumbling but lovable Dr Plonk. His physical comedy and expressive face convey the character's haplessness and optimism. Magda Szubanski is also excellent as Olive, who acts as a foil to Dr Plonk's eccentricities. The supporting cast includes a variety of memorable characters, including a suffragette played by Paul Blackwell and a landlady played by Heather Bolton.

The film's production design is also impressive, with the filmmakers capturing the look and feel of turn-of-the-century Adelaide. The costumes, sets, and props are all meticulously crafted to create a convincing and immersive world.

Overall, Dr Plonk is a charming and entertaining film that combines comedy, science fiction, and social commentary in a unique and memorable way. Its retro aesthetic and silent film techniques make it stand out from other films of its kind, and its themes are still relevant today. Fans of classic cinema, science fiction, and comedy will all find something to enjoy in this delightful gem of a film.