Ed (Gary Day) is a high-tech computer genius. Working on his latest computer creation, the i500 has put him under extreme pressure, and he needs another month to prepare the new computer system and resolve various malfunctioning issues. Despite being at risk of developing a stress ulcer, the higher-ups of his company are becoming increasingly demanding and concerned. Ed lives with his partner Cindy (Penny Downie), and their home is filled with various computer technology and fun gadgets, all created by Ed.
One day, after Ed completes his morning exercise routine, he and Cindy discover that multiple electronics in their home have malfunctioned or are entirely dead. Cindy is frustrated because she feels that Ed brought his work issues to their home, which should be a retreat. Despite this, the pair try to remain positive. When Ed sets off to work in his technologically advanced car, another malfunction occurs, leading to a severe car crash. Fortunately, Ed survives the crash, but he is left in a poor state and confined to an electric wheelchair.
So that Ed can keep working during his recovery, his company offers to place him in a high-rise apartment with a nurse (Kim Deacon) to oversee his recovery and give him space to continue his work. Ed’s prototype computer system is also moved to the high-rise apartment to complete its work and meet a significant deadline. However, Ed begins to suspect that a murder may have taken place in the high-rise building and that the i500 prototype may have witnessed the crime. As Ed investigates using the i500, he becomes increasingly obsessed and highly fascinated by the computer’s newfound capabilities. Can Ed uncover the truth about the possible murder and meet his deadline? And is the i500 prototype reliable and speaking the truth or lies?
The movie Crosstalk is a captivating mix of crime and thriller. Directed by Mark Egerton, who also directed The Winds of Jarrah (1983), Crosstalk is an Ozploitation film. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat, surprising me multiple times with its direction. Initially, I thought it would be just another film where a computer becomes the enemy and tries to take over the world. However, it turned out to be a mystery centred around new technology, with technology as a critical witness to a significant crime instead of a human witness. The protagonist, Ed, faces multiple challenges in determining whether his computer system has witnessed anything or is just playing up.
The central performances, especially Gary Day’s, are acceptable. However, some supporting actors’ deliveries are not as good, with awkward mannerisms and poorly delivered dialogue. Nonetheless, I was drawn in by the unique plot and curious about how the story would unfold. The technology portrayed in the film might seem outdated or even comical by today’s standards. Still, it was ambitious for its time, with many creative moments and cool concepts. The pacing is quite engaging, and I found the opening and the first act to be the most exciting parts of the film. The soundtrack by Chris Neal is lively, with tunes featuring cool beats and funky rhythms.
Overall, Crosstalk is an intriguing Ozploitation film. It feels like a Hitchcock film set in Australia, surrounded by technology that, cleverly enough, has possibly witnessed a terrible crime. The movie starts strong, creating a mystery that grabs viewers’ attention. However, while I was curious to see how it would all unfold, the overall experience was forgettable. The lead performances are adequate, and the film’s creative use of technology is impressive. It’s clear that there was a concerted effort to make it stand out as a thriller and crime story, and there is some entertainment value to be had as a single viewing.
Crosstalk (1982) is Now Available on Blu-ray as part of Ozploitation Rarities Volume 1 thanks to Umbrella Entertainment!
5.1/10
7th September 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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