"Kenny" Celebrates 20 Years: A Look Back at Australia's Beloved Portaloo Plumber
The Australian mockumentary "Kenny," which depicts the life of a portaloo plumber, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The film, an unexpected box office success, grossed nearly $8 million and will be honored with a screening and Q&A at the Aacta awards festival.
Film Origins and Production
The concept for "Kenny" originated from Shane Jacobson, who improvised a character based on the humor of toilet-hire workers he encountered. His brother, Clayton Jacobson, who had prior experience with similar labor, recognized the depth in this humor, noting the critical role of sanitation.
The Jacobson brothers co-wrote a 47-minute feature. They secured permission from Splashdown, a portaloo hire company, and utilized their trucks and equipment for the low-budget production.
Shane Jacobson took on the lead role of Kenny Smyth, while Clayton Jacobson directed and played Kenny's brother. Other family members, including their father Ronald and Clayton's son Jesse, also had roles. The film incorporated real-world locations and events, such as the Melbourne Cup, to enhance authenticity.
Themes and Cultural Context
Released during a period when the mockumentary genre was popular, Clayton Jacobson stated that "Kenny" served as a "riff on decency" and a subtle commentary on the political climate of the time, emphasizing tolerance.
"Kenny" served as a "riff on decency" and a subtle commentary on the political climate of the time, emphasizing tolerance.
The character of Kenny Smyth diverges from common Australian cinematic depictions of the working class, presenting an underdog akin to characters in "The Castle." Clayton aimed to portray blue-collar Australians as intelligent, drawing inspiration from his own family's experiences.
Reception and Enduring Legacy
The short film version of "Kenny" premiered in 2004 to a positive audience reception. This led the Jacobsons to expand it into a feature film, drawing inspiration from the "Crocodile Dundee" concept by featuring Kenny at a Pumper & Cleaner expo in Nashville.
Despite mixed critical reviews, the film resonated strongly with audiences. Shane Jacobson received the Best Actor award at the AFI awards (now Aacta), and the film secured five other nominations. The brothers engaged in extensive promotion, with Shane temporarily working for Splashdown to provide authentic insights during press tours.
While the mockumentary genre's popularity has since waned and a spin-off series, "Kenny's World," was not renewed, the original film maintains a dedicated fanbase.
Clayton Jacobson attributes the film's lasting success to Kenny Smyth's relatability and the universal human need for validation.