David Williamson (1982)

'The Perfectionist seemed to mark a new compassion in Williamson's writing for the theatreÉit seemed to indicate a pronounced shift in subject to the private ways in which individuals seek to give order to their livesÉ(Williamson) is a shewd penetrator of surfaces and what he exposes is the panic and emptimess that makes 'rigid role behaviour' for most of his subjects. Stuart's transformation in 'The Perfectionist' from an ambitious domestic tyrant to a counter-cultural incredibly-caring person..underlines the proposition that no decided personal stance is free from the rhetoric which might make it a parody of itself. (Holloway, 1981, Sydney: Currency. Pg 413)

• Set between Denmark and Sydney with thirty-four distinct sequences through thirty-nine time jumps. An 'Epic' feel.
• Social interactions focus on familial and interpersonal politics.
• A tense marriage - Barbara who wants equal professional status, Stuart her academic husband who considers his needs come first and Erik, the Danish student who represents something 'fresh and exciting' for Barbara.
• Other issues - maintaining parity between professional and domestic spheres, 'extramartial' relationships, the 'open' marriage.
• A study in characterisation. Stuart modelled on his demanding father who strives for 'perfection'. Barbara who fights against Stuart's quest for making and keeping everything 'perfect.'
• Traces the difficulties of modern marriage and the need for liberation and empowerment within such partnerships.