Search - Rat Tamer (Full) on DVD

Hugh Jackman's first professional appearance

Reader | Asia | 09/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this as the pilot episode of a prison drama series from Australia TV called CORRELLI. It focused on life in prison, mainly viewed from the eyes of a prison psychologist named Louisa Correlli. The whole series was a gripping and realistic dramatization of various lives of prisoners and the people who administered their penal sentences. Hopefully, the rest of the episodes will also be released on DVD as the entire series is quite excellent.

This first episode marked Hugh Jackman's first professional appearance, direct from acting school. Even at that time, Hugh had already shown a range of dramatic talent that will mark some of his future work, such as his early award-winning role in Erskineville Kings and some of his 2006 film releases ( The Fountain and The Prestige). To fans of Hugh Jackman, this film is also interesting because the actress who played the role of Louisa Correlli very effectively is Deborra Lee Furness, now Mrs. Hugh Jackman.

The episode released on this DVD is a compelling drama of prison life and what it does to those affected by such personal tragedies.

"

Before He Was Wolverine

Chloe | 04/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before he was Wolverine, Hugh Jackman appeared in a gritty prison drama on Australian TV called "Correlli". The Rat Tamer is the first episode of the series to released on DVD.
The Rat Tamer refers to Dr. Louisa Correlli, the new psychologist who has recently begun working at Blackstream Prison. Correlli is played by Deborra-Lee Furness, who must have made quite an impression on Hugh because they were married a year later and are still married to this day!
The story follows Dr. Correlli as she tries to help a troubled prison guard named Costa who's stressed almost to his limit, as well as a new inmate by the name of Kevin Jones (played by Hugh Jackman). Jones arrives at Blackstream beaten so badly that is has caused some brain trauma and affected his motor skills. It's clear that he was somehow assaulted during his transfer, but because of the extent of his injuries, it's not clear why or how they occured.
At the heart of the story is the personal conflict between Jones and Costa. When their paths cross, the guard becomes obsessed with the memory of a terrible tragedy that happened to his best mate and is fixated on the notion that Jones was somehow involved.
I believe "Correlli" is only the second screen appearance of Hugh Jackman's career, but his trademark charisma and intensity are already there...and I just love that Aussie accent! The Rat Tamer is intriguing and compelling enough to want to see the rest of the series...it leaves you wanting more and wondering...what happens next?"

The Beginning

M, Compulsive Reader | Santa Cruz, CA | 05/24/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the second place, Hugh Jackman is beautiful. In the first place he is a fine actor. And Deborra-Lee Furness does her usual masterful job of developing character. The film introduces us to prison life in Australia showing anguish, and working at the job of living. I'm hoping the rest of the series continues this, and is soon available for viewing. I'm told this is based on true events, and that the psychologist was disbarred because of the relationship. Also nice to see fine drama beyond what the U. S. offers."

"Corelli" the series

Joan F. Cipelle | 10/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I ordered "The Rat Tamer" because I was interested in Hugh Jackman's early works. It was so good that I ordered the whole series from Australia. Unfortuneately, it is a Region 4 DVD, but I have a player that is all Region, well worth the purchase. It is a haunting story,
very well done. Although it is a prison drama and very rough at times, I can't help thinking how much worse it would be if done by Hollywood. Nothing is beyond the need to tell a story; the violence, cursing, drugs
are there but not shoved down your throat. Each episode has its own story but through it all there is the interaction between Kevin(Hugh Jackman) and Dr Corelli(Deborrah-Lee Furness). You keep waiting for their next appointment to see what happens. It was worth the effort to find it, I just wish that "Corelli" and "Paperback Hero" were issued in Region 1 format, they would both make great Christmas gifts."