The Humpty Dumpty Man (1989)

Though often overshadowed by his more famous features, P.J. Hogan's 1989 short film, *The Humpty Dumpty Man*, is a fascinating and revealing precursor to his signature style. Starring a young Russell Crowe in a memorable, unsettling performance, the film introduces viewers to a peculiar character obsessed with collecting and mending broken objects. This darkly surreal and often grotesque narrative immediately hints at Hogan's distinctive visual flair and his burgeoning interest in the lives of the eccentric and the emotionally fractured, showcasing the thematic seeds that would blossom in his later, more celebrated works. More than just a curio in his filmography, *The Humpty Dumpty Man* perfectly encapsulates Hogan's early mastery of blending the absurd with the poignant. The central character's almost ritualistic pursuit of repair, despite its unsettling nature, resonates deeply with the struggles of Hogan's later protagonists, who often grapple with their own internal brokenness or the imperfections of their world. It showcases the distinctive blend of dark humor, empathy for the outsider, and a uniquely Australian sensibility that would define blockbusters like *Muriel's Wedding*. Including this short is essential for understanding the foundational elements of Hogan's directorial vision and appreciating the consistent threads that run through his acclaimed body of work.