Watch The Plumber

The Plumber is a tense psychological thriller from 1979, directed by Peter Weir and starring Judy Morris, Ivar Kants, and Robert Coleby. The film explores themes of power, control, and gender through the interactions of its two main characters. The story takes place in a suburban Australian apartment complex, where a young couple, Jill and Brian Cowper (Morris and Coleby) are living. One day, Jill encounters a plumber, Max (Kants), who has been sent by the landlord to fix a problem in the couple's bathroom. But it soon becomes apparent to Jill that Max is not your ordinary tradesman, and his presence in their home begins to cause some serious problems.

Max is manipulative, controlling, and aggressive, and he quickly begins to take advantage of Jill's vulnerability. He starts to invade her personal space, ignoring her requests to leave and making himself at home in their apartment. His apparent lack of boundaries and social skills make Jill increasingly uncomfortable, and she begins to fear for her safety.

As the days go by, Max's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and it becomes clear that he has no intention of leaving. Jill tries to enlist Brian's help, but he is preoccupied with his work and dismisses her concerns. With no one to turn to, Jill is forced to confront Max herself, setting up a tense showdown that will determine her fate.

The Plumber is an intense and claustrophobic film that uses simple elements – a small cast, limited locations – to great effect. The film's strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of the power dynamics between Jill and Max, which are complicated by factors such as gender, class, and race.

Jill is portrayed as a sympathetic and relatable character, someone who is struggling to maintain her independence and assert herself in a male-dominated world. Max, on the other hand, is a complex and multifaceted villain, whose true intentions are never fully revealed. He is both menacing and pathetic, a man who uses his plumbing skills as a weapon to gain control over those around him.

The film's visual style is also worth mentioning. Weir utilizes a deliberate pacing and a sparse, minimalist aesthetic to create a sense of tension and unease. The camera lingers on small details – the dripping of a faucet, the creaking of a door – that serve to heighten the film's ominous mood.

Overall, The Plumber is a thought-provoking and well-crafted film that remains relevant today. It touches on issues of power, gender, and surveillance that are as relevant now as they were in 1979. With strong performances and a well-crafted story, it's a film that is definitely worth checking out.