The Dismissal (film)

The Dismissal is a 1983 Australian historical drama film directed by Phillip Noyce. The film dramatizes the events of the 1975 Australian constitutional crisis, focusing on the lead-up to and aftermath of the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam by Governor-General Sir John Kerr.

The film meticulously recreates the political atmosphere and key events of the period, including parliamentary debates, public demonstrations, and private meetings between the major players. It explores the perspectives of Whitlam, Kerr, and other influential figures such as Malcolm Fraser, then Leader of the Opposition.

The Dismissal is notable for its detailed research and efforts to portray the characters involved with a degree of nuance, even while clearly presenting a narrative critical of Kerr's actions. It uses archival footage and reconstructed scenes to immerse the viewer in the political climate of the time.

The film's cast includes John Meillon as Gough Whitlam, Sir John Gielgud as Sir John Kerr, and Bill Kerr as Malcolm Fraser. It was a critical and commercial success in Australia, sparking considerable public discussion and debate about the events it depicted.

The Dismissal remains a significant film in Australian cinema, serving as a dramatized record of a pivotal moment in the nation's political history and continuing to be studied in schools and universities.