FILM-FORWARD.COMReviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video
MY BRILLIANT CAREER (1979)
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
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