Cosi

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Cosi ★★★ Caught in the Act 1995 (R)

Amiable Lewis (Mendelsohn) is hired to help with drama therapy at the local Sydney mental institution. Pressured by longterm patient Roy (Otto), Lewis finds himself agreeing to stage a production of Mozart's opera “Cosi Fan Tutte” though none of the patients can speak Italian or sing. Rehearsals prove a challenge, there are numerous setbacks, and then it's show time. Fine ensemble cast delivers; adapted from Nowra's play. Friels stepped into the role of security guard Errol when Bruno Lawrence died before filming was completed; pic is dedicated to Lawrence. 100m/ C VHS, DVD . AU Ben Mendelsohn, Barry Otto, Aden Young, Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths, Colin Friels, Paul Chubb, Pamela Rabe, Jacki Weaver, David Wenham, Colin Hay, Tony LlewellynJones, Kerry Walker; Cameos: Greta Scacchi, Paul Mercurio; D: Mark Joffe; W: Louis Nowra; C: Ellery Ryan; M: Stephen Endelman. Australian Film Inst. '96: Adapt. Screenplay, Support. Actress (Collette).