MY BRILLIANT CAREER (1979)
Directed by: Gillian Armstrong.
Produced by: Margaret Fink.
Written by: Eleanor Witcombe, based on the novel by Miles Franklin.
Director of Photography: Donald McAlpine.
Edited by: Nicholas Beauman.
Released by: Blue Underground.
Country of Origin: Australia. 100 min. Rated: G.
With: Judy Davis, Sam Neill, Wendy Hughes, Robert Grubb, Max Cullen & Patricia Kennedy.
DVD Features: Disc one - Commentary by Director Gillian Armstrong; Trailers. Disc two - Two interviews, with director Armstrong & producer Margaret Fink; Cannes Film Festival Premiere featuring Judy Davis, Armstrong & Fink; "The Miles Franklin Story" documentary; Poster & still gallery; Teachers' study guide (DVD-ROM).

Based on the semi-autobiography written by a teenaged Miles Franklin, My Brilliant Career is worth watching for the stunning performances of Judy Davis (as Sybylla Melvyn) and Sam Neill (Harry Beecham). The character of Sybylla, both in the novel and the movie, mirrors Franklin in most aspects of her life - a highly spirited and rebellious young woman who adamantly opposes allowing herself to be governed by a man. Set in Australia in 1897, this is a radical position. Davis takes the script to a new level and creates a complex character that goes beyond the dialogue. Sybylla’s transformations are the most compelling aspect of the film, which also marks the directing debut of Gillian Armstrong, who delivers a near-excellent film at the age of 27.

The story itself is quite interesting, especially when the viewer places it in historical context and realizes how innovative a woman like Sybylla would have been in her time. The film's significance can also be seen in Australian cinema as well. It was chosen for the competition at the Cannes Film Festival (only the second Australian film to do so) in 1979 and was nominated for various awards, including a Golden Globe, as well as launching many careers. Although many of the key plot elements have lost their originality and the traditional three-act structure might prove unsatisfying to some, the overall importance and beauty of this film should not be overlooked, and the viewer who tends to appreciate the subtler joys of cinema would find much to enjoy in My Brilliant Career.

DVD Extras: The director's commentary and the interviews can be a bit dry, and it takes the subjects a while to make their points. However, they give some interesting pieces of information regarding the various careers of those involved in the production and on why certain choices were made, so if you have patience you’ll find something to take away from these extras. The biography of Miles Franklin is short and to-the-point and gives some worth-knowing background on the movie and Australia. The DVD-ROM extra is actually a study guide that can be accessed on a computer. The study guide is exactly what it claims to be and would be useful for anyone needing to analyze or assess this film in depth, but for the average viewer it is probably a bit much. Emily Genzlinger
July 13, 2005