Windrider (1987)

In a sentence

P.C. Simpson, a Perth hipster, tries to becomes a champion windsurfer while courting the gorgeous rock singer Jade.

Principals

Director: Vincent Monton

Writer: Everett De Roche and Bonnie Harris

Producer: Paul Barrons

Director of Photography: Joseph Pickering

Cast

Tom Burlinson as P.C. Simpson

Nicole Kidman as Jade

Charles “Bud” Tingwell as Stuart Simpson, Snr

Full cast and Crew

About the film (possible spoilers)

P.C. Simpson has a good job working at his dad's engineering firm but lives to windsurf. He has a host of colourful, zany friends who windsurf with him on the beaches of Perth, Western Australia. He also has an enemy: the cool and detached, Coyote, whom he battles for windsurfing dominance.

The plot centers around P.C. courting up-and-coming rock singer, Jade. After an all night recording session, Jade wanders to the beach and sees P.C. do a 360 on his windboard; he then tracks her down to so she can confirm his incredible stunt to his disbelieving friends. When they meet backstage at a concert he immediately develops feelings for her.  

P.C. is cocky in his courtship of Jade. He kidnaps her from the recording studio, tows her car to the beach and buys her a pet galah (parrot), all in hopes of getting a date. Finally his persistence pays off, they fall in love, and there is a sexy montage to prove it.

Things take a bad turn for P.C. after he survives a shark attack. He gets behind at work, falls out with Jade and gives up on creating the perfect windsurfing board with his work colleague Howard. But most important he is afraid of the water.

The film doesn’t have the strongest narrative. P.C. does not have a “goal” that is set out during the first 15 minutes of the movie. The plot never meanders though and ends with a decisive conclusion. There are jokes, good dramatic scenes and the obligatory beat-the-clock sequence leading to the climax. And of course there are wonderfully shot windsurfing scenes.

My personal take

I liked this film because of it’s 1980s vibe. I grew up watching John Hughes movies and this film has the feel of a “Ferris Bueller down under.” P.C. is hip slick and cool and seems to get away with everything. However, unlike Ferris, P.C.’s luck changes and he must confront his issues of selfishness. Ferris Bueller never changes as a character, P.C. must and does.

I suggest you watch it like a documentary of 80s teen culture. There are over-the-top haircuts, shoulder pads, flouro clothing and plenty of “quirky” characters typical of the genre. I took this all in with detached amusement and enjoyed the film more for it.

A major highlight is the amazing cinematography. Western Australia is beautifully captured on film. The director of photography uses long light that is present when the sun sets over the water. Even late afternoon office scenes include these glowing pinkish hues. Credit must go to director of photography Joseph Pickering.

Director Vincent Monton was a cinematographer before he became a director. So it is not surprising that the scenes are well shot. Check out Long Weekend, Roadgames or Race For the Yankee Zephyr for examples of his photography work.

Commentary

The protagonist is an upper middle class young man. This is unique as many Australian films focus on working class youth. P.C. comes from a privileged background and has a well paying job at his father’s engineering firm.

Writing P.C. as being well off is inspired choice. It is an excellent backdrop to explore his character. By taking the question of money out of the equation the filmmakers can focus solely on his relationships to Jade, his father, and most importantly, windsurfing.

Genre: Teen comedy

Windrider walks the line between Disney and Adult themed content. There are body function jokes and silly visual gags normal to more tame teen comedies. But also there is also swearing, nudity and drug taking. It could be called a “Young Adult Comedy” as the younger cast are all out of high school, have regular jobs and hang out in bars.

Things to watch out for:

Nicole Kidman getting naked

Awesome Windsurfing scenes (you can’t miss them)

Unicycle jousting with pool cues

Watch this movie if

You like sports movies

You enjoy 80s cinema

You are a windsurfing enthusiast

You want to see some great shots from the water

Avoid this movie if

You don’t like young adult themed movies

You consider the 80s a tacky and soulless decade

You want to watch a deep and meaningful movie

You hate Western Australian beaches