The Magician (2005 film)

The Magician is a 2005 Australian film written and directed by Scott Ryan. It is a found footage crime comedy drama in which a hitman (Ryan), is filmed as he goes about his daily life as a career criminal. The film was originally shot over 10 days with a budget of A$3,000. Ryan edited a half-hour version of the film for screening at the St. Kilda Film Festival, where it was seen by stuntman and film producer Nash Edgerton (brother of Joel Edgerton), who took the project under his wing. After receiving A$330,000 in government grants, the film was re-released in 2005.

Plot
A mockumentary that follows the escapades of Ray Shoesmith, a Melbourne underworld hitman who hires a film student to document his life.

Cast

 * Scott Ryan as Ray Shoesmith
 * Ben Walker as Tony Richards
 * Massimiliano Andrighetto as Massimo "Max" Totti
 * Kane Mason as Benny
 * Nathaniel Lindsay as Edna

Box office
The Magician grossed $182,164 at the box office in Australia.

Reception
The film holds a 75% approval rating from critics based on 16 reviews at Rotten Tomatoes.

Awards and nominations

 * Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards


 * IF Awards


 * Melbourne Underground Film Festival

Spinoff series
A television spinoff based on the Ray Shoesmith character premiered on FX in 2018 titled Mr Inbetween. Ryan reprised his role, and served as writer and producer on the show. Nash Edgerton also served as producer and directed every episode. The show ran for 3 seasons and drew critical acclaim.