The Last of the Pretty Boys

Directed by Patrick Duncan, The Last of the Pretty Boys is a biographical drama film that revolves around the turbulent life of Shane MacGowan, the lead singer of The Pogues, but inspired by the life of Shane's contemporary, Dave Evans from the band Cold Chisel, with a dash of inspiration taken from Dave's friend, the aforementioned 80s shock rocker, Brian 'Lazarus' Graves, the movie delves into the complexities of a flamboyant and charismatic performer who is also a self-destructive force. Lazarus Graves is the epitome of rock 'n' roll stardom: with his outrageous stage presence, electrifying performances, and an array of provocative songs that leave audiences spellbound. But beneath the bravado and flamboyance, Lazarus is a complex individual plagued by insecurities and personal demons. The movie opens with Lazarus Graves returning to his native Brisbane after a string of spectacular shows around the world, culminating in a triumphant performance in Sydney's iconic Opera House. He's hailed as a hero, his concerts drawing in a mix of devotees and the curious who are drawn to his enigmatic persona. The limelight, as expected, has its toll on his mental well-being. However, as Lazarus reconnects with his past, he meets Emma, a sharp and ambitious journalist with an unquenchable thirst for truth. The connection between Lazarus and Emma is undeniable, despite initial animosity born from her desire to probe the secrets behind his electrifying on-stage presence and the darkness that drives his songwriting. Emma's curiosity soon transforms into deep empathy as she discovers the vulnerabilities beneath Lazarus's larger-than-life facade. Their tumultuous relationship propels Lazarus to confront his inner demons and forces him to question the choices that have led him down a self-destructive path. Despite his best intentions, Lazarus can't help but make new mistakes, entangled in a complex web of excesses and reckless abandon. As Lazarus becomes increasingly drawn to Emma, their mutual fascination threatens to upend the precarious balance of his life. Emma's desire to capture his essence on camera and in written form becomes an obsession that threatens to consume them both. The lines between reality and showmanship become increasingly blurred as Lazarus and Emma navigate the blurred boundaries between their public personas. The film takes a dramatic turn when Lazarus's past decisions come back to haunt him. His tumultuous relationships with his band members, the pressures of the demanding music industry, and the devastating consequences of his reckless lifestyle finally catch up with him. The once-mighty Lazarus is forced to confront the darkness that has been lurking beneath the surface of his glittering persona. As Lazarus grapples with the devastating cost of his self-destructive tendencies, he must decide whether to continue down the path of excess or take a more measured approach to his life. In the midst of this inner turmoil, Emma is forced to choose between her professional ambition and her blossoming feelings for this enigmatic and troubled musician. Patrick Duncan's portrayal of the turbulent rock 'n' roll lifestyle of Lazarus Graves serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive consequences of indulgence. Set against the backdrop of Brisbane's vibrant music scene in the late 1980s, The Last of the Pretty Boys paints a powerful portrait of a complex individual torn between the highs of artistic success and the lows of personal despair. As the curtain opens on the movie's explosive finale, the audience is left to ponder the choices faced by the charismatic Lazarus Graves. Will he continue down the self-destructive path that has characterized his life, or will he take a long overdue leap towards redemption?