Waterstreet

The primary issue explored in this documentary is mental-health specifically, ADDICTION.

Waterstreet explores the issue of addiction through the story of Charles Waterstreet. A once-celebrated criminal barrister whose significant contributions to Australian law and a 40 year career advocating for those without a voice, is overshadowed by bankruptcy and allegations of improper conduct that result in his disbarment from the legal profession and the alienation from those closest to him.

Waterstreet’s significant mental health struggles, masked and managed by a lifetime of addiction, including drugs, alcohol, sex, and other vices, distract him from childhood trauma, ultimately preventing him from adapting to a changing cultural climate and navigating his own emotions and self-destructive tendencies.

Ultimately, Waterstreet is a cautionary tale, and by examining his downfall in such intimate detail, we reveal the emotional complexities behind these heavily-debated issues.

Propelled by a massive shift in the current social climate precipitated by social media, the patriarchal system that has remained unchallenged for generations is now under significant and regular scrutiny.

Our goal is to shed a light on the ‘other side’ of these fiercely-debated gender wars that define the conflict of our times, using the lens of mental health, addiction and identity to discuss the complexities of these issues and hopefully bridge the gap to positive social change.

This documentary seeks a number of outcomes. Initially, to convey the complexities around addiction and promote discussion about the realities of of mental health, self-destruction, poverty and isolation.

Further, to understand the realities and complexities of the Me Too debate as seen through the experience of a man whose mental health struggles have prevented him from adapting to a changing world, ultimately causing his very sudden and quick demise.

Additionally, we also hope to shed a brighter light on the colourful and highly unique life and career of Charles Waterstreet. To display his legal achievements and significant contribution to minorities as a criminal barrister and advocate to those without a voice.

We are currently working on establishing partnerships to inform and assist the project development.

1. Generate nation-wide discussion around the causes and impacts of mental health and addiction.

2. We hope that viewers are encouraged to engage in critical discussion with an in-depth understanding of the complexities of the issues, specifically from the perspective of the ‘villain’ character.

3. Entertain an alternative perspective to the current discussion around gender politics.