Media Man

Gary Young: Director, Producer & Actor

Gary Young is one of Australia's most unique and colourful film producers.

Residing in Goulburn, NSW, he is far away from the public eye, however, Young made an impact into Australian film that will not soon be forgotten.

Young's most famous work is 'Cosy Cool' (see the review from Internet Movie Database).

One managed by the one and only Harry Lavender, Young is now negotiating with Media Man Australia's, Greg Tingle, who some "insiders" are tipping as the next Harry M or Max Markson.

As he approaches mid 2004, Young is optimistic about the future.

Could it be a matter of time before Young once again hits the big time in Australian film?

Review of 'Cosy Cool'

Date: 11 August 2001
Summary: Aussie Rider

I am the only person in the world who has seen this movie?? 'Cosy Cool' is one of the most obscure movies to be released in Australia. It's a low budget biker movie inspired by 'Easy Rider'. When I say low budget I mean LOW BUDGET - it makes 'Stone' look like 'Spartacus'!

Unlike 'Stone' this movie isn't about biker clubs (though the Commancheros do appear towards the end). The two protagonists, Cosy Cool and Gracious Grytt, are disenfranchised "space cadets" (their description) who don't fit in with either the biker scene or the straight world. Cosy packs in his job pumping gas, reunites with his old mate Grytt, and the pair hit the road heading for a car/bike show. After they win some prize money there they decide to continue on in search of kicks. Along the way they run across bigoted country folk, "friendly" girls, and other freaks. What they don't realise is that some sinister rednecks are keeping track of them, and are planning on ruining their good time.

This movie is obviously a labour of love for director/star Gary Young. The movie is far from sophisticated (in Australia we'd call it "rough as guts"), technically shaky, unevenly acted, and with many unintentional laughs, but even so, it has a raw unbridled energy and enthusiasm very rarely seen. Cosy and Grytt are uncliched Aussie characters that ring true. You wonder if Young and Wilson aren't just basically playing themselves. Wilson in particular as Gracious Grytt is one of the most memorable screen bikers. Hopper or Fonda he isn't, but his catchprase "negative waves, negative waves" will hopefully one day ensure him of undying cult status!

And there's more!

Cosy Cool, I bet your wondering just what Cosy Cool really is (unless your one of the tiny amount of Australians who have seen the film). It is basically a film about nothing set in Australia in the year 1975. You can read my great film review of it here. But I really would like to congratulate Gary Young and John Wilson (main actors/creators) for providing a great budget 70's Australian flick. Me and my friends have seen it many times and some great quotes and skits have come out of it.

These include the starting scene:

Service Station Attendant: What are you waiting for, a gold watch?
Cosy Cool: Ohhh, get it up ya razz! (not really sure what his name is)
SSA: Don't talk to me like that! (As he says this he grabs Cosy Cool)
CC: Hands off the tux, Man!
SSA: I'll man you!

And who could forget the great one liners:
"This place is givin' me the shits!"
-Cosy Cool
"I know the winners can spent the night with us!"
-Some chick

"Ohhh, Oh Nooooo"
-Lady after car accident

"There's a competition for the most spoofy choppa"
- Cosy Cool

"Who're you supposed to be, Hitler? Rommel?"
-Laurie

"All we want is some beer!"
-Gracious Grytt

"You can get your beer in the next town!"
-Gun Nut

Cosy Cool: We'll met at 12 o'clock
Gracious Grytt: 12 o'clock tomorrow?
CC:Nah mate, 12 o'clock tonight

Credit: David Russell

Links:

Interview - Gary Young - 3rd March 2004

Profile - The Film Factory

Internet Movie Database: Gary Young

IMDB: Cosy Cool

Movie Review - Cosy Cool, by Anonymous