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The Topp Twins have been described as the world's only comedic country singing, dancing and yodelling lesbian twin sisters; and they're probably right. Cultural ambassadors for their native New Zealand, Jools and Linda Topp marked their 50th birthday in reflection – Leanne Pooley was there to catch it all.
The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls is an infectious and affectionate account of two utterly remarkable women who, despite tours of Britain, the US and Australia, have not strayed far from their farming roots. They seem happiest driving a tractor to perform at a country show for fifty people. It's this homespun earthiness that forms the kernel around which Pooley works. She dives deep into the archives, cataloguing ballsy busking on the streets of Auckland to headlining shows alongside Crowded House and Billy Bragg with several of their subversive alter egos. “An anarchist variety act” as John Clarke remarked. “We were watching two very, very naughty girls.”
He was referring to a long history of political and social campaigning forged on the relative hot-bed of New Zealand's pre-consumerist 1980's. As Pooley reveals, the twins were commentators on their own activism, and while they may no longer join sit-ins at Bastion Point they are no less relevant. Social satire sees to that. Untouchable girls? Undoubtedly. Just ask their Mum and Dad.
// COLIN FRASER
moviereview colin fraser film movie australia review critic flicks