Tom White tells the story of the titular character who decides enough is enough of his middleclass life after losing a big architectural project to a much younger, less-experienced colleague. He abruptly leaves his wife and kids, and begins living on the streets, encountering many interesting characters along the way.

Tom White is one of many Australian films in the past year that have dealt with the lives of the lost and/or disenfranchised (see Somersault). It shows life on the streets as it is - lonely, deprived and lacking in dignity. It also puts characters behind the faces of the homeless, mainly due to the good supporting performances. The actors bringing life to these stories include Bill Hunter, Dan Spielman and Loene Carmen (in what is, according to my memory, her first big role since The Year My Voice Broke over a decade ago!). Rachael Blake also does well (as usual) as the wife. The film's highlight performance, however, is Colin Friels's - this is his best since Malcolm.

I think this is a (marginally) better film than Somersault. There were not many good Aussie films released last year - take time out to see this, one of the better ones.