Annie Byron Movies
- 2007
It's rare that audiences have the opportunity to watch actors perfect their roles in the sacred space of the rehearsal room, but in this documentary detailing the Sydney Theater Company's production of Hedda Gabler at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York, theater fans are afforded the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do precisely that. It's five weeks until opening night, and the weight of anticipation is beginning to bear down. With a cast that includes Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Anthony Weigh, and Justine Clarke, there's no question that the stage is filled with some of Australia's finest actors. Holding this impressive collective of talent together is director Robyn Nevin -- a consummate perfectionist who isn't satisfied until every line has been perfected and every move blocked. And she's got proper cause to be concerned, too; while theater fans are well familiar with Hedda Gabler, this particular production is a modern interpretation of the familiar tale adapted by Andrew Upton. After three weeks of 18-hour days spent perfecting the play in their sweltering Sydney rehearsal room, the crew is now set to travel to Brooklyn, NY, in the heart of winter. But how will a reputedly sophisticated and decidedly outspoken New York audience receive this radical interpretation of this familiar favorite? ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, (more)
The talented teenage son of outback farmers, Ralph dreams of becoming an American country music star. When his supportive, hard working parents hand him tickets to Nashville, he is elated and eager to embark upon the highway to stardom, but before he can, the callow Ralph must learn a few life lessons on the road to Sydney. Paying tribute to country music, this sprightly comedy follows the his adventures after he is picked up by charming crook Boyd and his moll, a stunning red head who can sing as well as her namesake Patsy Cline. Ralph's education begins after the police stop Boyd, who is carrying illegal drugs and driving a stolen Jaguar. During the struggle, Patsy escapes and Ralph ends up accused of possessing the drugs and stealing the car. Both he and Boyd end up in a local hoosegow. While in jail, Ralph is befriend by the three musically inclined Brothers Grimm. A young cop also becomes a fan of Ralph's and plays a key role in the young man's musical career in Tennessee's Music City. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Richard Roxburgh, Miranda Otto, (more)
A socially inept young woman slowly learns to overcome her insecurities in this sleeper hit from Australia. The unconventional Muriel (Toni Collette) is deeply unsatisfied with her life, stuck in the nowhere town of Porpoise Spit and feeling rejected by her friends and family. Believing herself unattractive and worthless, she seeks meager solace in ABBA songs and fantasies of gorgeous weddings, with herself as the bride. Muriel's life takes a turn for the better, however, when she befriends the carefree Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths), who encourages her to take control of her life. Together, the two women travel to Sydney, where a series of liberating experiences help Muriel develop self-esteem and take the first steps towards maturity. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Starring:
- Toni Collette, Bill Hunter, (more)
- 1992
Clowning Around was the blanket title for two separate British/Australian TV series, both aimed at a youthful audience. The hero, Simon Gunner (Clayton Williamson), was a stagestruck youngster who aspired to become a circus clown. With the help of veteran funster Jack Merrick (Ernie Dingo), Simon ultimately realized his goal. Produced in France and Australia by ABC/Barron Films, the 16-episode Clowning Around first aired in 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1989
The Australian Afraid to Dance features two young social misfits who seek to make their lives "worthwhile" via crime. Nique Needles plays a loser with few prospects for a decent life. After committing a few petty crimes, he graduates to the "big time" by attempting to steal a car. The car's owner turns out to be a chronic pickpocket, played by Rosey Jones. Needles and Jones fall in love, then embark on a Bonnie-and-Clyde series of misadventures. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Nique Needles, Rosie Jones, (more)
- 1985
The Australian Fran stars Noni Hazelhurst as the title character. A single mother, Fran is selflessly devoted to her children. But something is lacking in her life, and that something is the love of a man her own age. Her efforts to juggle a love life with her home life are largely unsuccessful, resulting in a profound emotional crisis. Fran pulls no punches, and it isn't "easy" entertainment, but it remains a riveting experience for those willing to go the distance. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Annie Byron, Alan Fletcher, (more)
- 1985
Refugees fleeing post-WWII Europe to Australia are discovered to carry with them a deadly disease and are quarantined. ~ Tana Hobart, Rovi
- 1984
- PG
Writer-director Sophia Turkiewicz based Silver City on her experiences as a young child, when her parents moved from post-World War II Poland to settle in a migrant hostel in western Australia's Polish community. Nina (Gosia Dobrowolska) is a young refugee who wants to be a teacher. She meets Julian (Ivor Kants), a young law student, and the two fall in love. The problem is Julian is already married, but he leaves his wife (Anna Jemison) for Nina. However, when Julian's wife announces she is pregnant, Julian abandons Nina and returns to her. Nina is then forced to go it alone in a new and strange country. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Gosia Dobrowolska, Anna Jemison, (more)
