Beyond Gravity

Astronomy-obsessed worrier Richard meets part-Italian Johnny, a man whose idea of a holiday involves breaking into the nearest bach. Pitched at gay and straight alike, the pair's lighthearted but occasionally troubled romance featured extensive footage of central Auckland circa 1988 (courtesy of director Garth Maxwell’s own central Queen Street digs), plus images of space — for Richard a place of both beauty and potential disaster. Beyond Gravity won local theatrical screenings, and a scriptwriting award in France. This short excerpt is from the opening minutes of the 48-minute film. 

The film was also made as a challenge to that curious beast called the ‘general audience’, to enjoy and relax with a story about two men before they decide (or before they realise) that it is about two gays...

– Garth Maxwell, in NZfilm 35, 1988

Key Cast & Crew

Garth Maxwell

Director, Writer

James Wallace

Producer

Graham Adams

Writer

Annabel Lomas

As: Faye

Robert Pollock

As: Richard

David Weatherley

As: Planetarium Voice