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National Film and Sound Archive of AustraliaNational Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive

Patrick: Patrick makes contact

1978

Patrick: Patrick makes contact

1978

  • NFSA ID8EAVYCM6
  • TypeFilm
  • MediumMoving Image
  • FormFeature Film
  • GenresHorror, Science Fiction, Thriller
  • Year1978

Patrick proved that Australia had the capacity to produce exportable exploitation movies and is better regarded now than it was in 1978.

In this clip, Patrick (Robert Thompson) contacts Kathy (Susan Penhaligon) while she is typing. Kathy establishes communication with Patrick and asks Matron Cassidy (Julia Blake) to witness her discovery. Patrick refuses to respond. After Matron Cassidy leaves, Patrick transmits the word ‘secret’ to Kathy’s typewriter.

Patrick proved that Australia had the capacity to produce exportable exploitation movies and is better regarded now than it was in 1978.

In this clip, Patrick (Robert Thompson) contacts Kathy (Susan Penhaligon) while she is typing. Kathy establishes communication with Patrick and asks Matron Cassidy (Julia Blake) to witness her discovery. Patrick refuses to respond. After Matron Cassidy leaves, Patrick transmits the word ‘secret’ to Kathy’s typewriter.

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  • Kathy’s feeling that Patrick can communicate is confirmed. Her excitement is quickly deflated when Patrick refuses to ‘talk’ in front of Matron Cassidy. Patrick is marking out his territory by communicating only with Kathy and, as a consequence, setting up anyone who stands between them as a potential victim of his psychokinetic abilities. The dramatic power in this scene is conveyed by the silences of Patrick and Matron Cassidy.

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