Brilliant Lies

R

1996

1h 33m

Comedy

Drama

List

80%

5 Reviews

Tomatometer

21%

100+ Ratings

Audience Score

After being fired, Susy Connor (Gia Carides) files a complaint alleging that her boss, Gary Fitzgerald (Anthony LaPaglia), groped her after hours at the office. When they're brought in to mediate, conciliator Marion Lee (Catherine Wilkin) discovers that both sides' stories are inconsistent. Susy's sister, Katie (Zoe Carides), testifies on her behalf that their father (Ray Barrett) molested them both. Meanwhile, Gary's friend, Vince (Neil Melville), suspects Gary's denials are untrue.

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Virtually R

Amateurish production values. Looks like it was filmed on a cell phone. Good acting by all, but that couldn't overcome an overwrought script. Terrible movie about lies and sexual harassment.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

08/21/22

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Audience Member

Despite exceptional performances from the three key players and some effective moments, the film fails to be the consistently captivating piece that it promises to be.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

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Audience Member

It?s a fascinating idea, showing both sides of a sexual discrimination lawsuit, and what makes it work is that it isn?t a black and white case and their appear to be lies and truths on both sides. It holds your interest because it has aroused your curiosity about what the outcome will be. It doesn't always deliver, but at least it held my interest and got me thinking. Good performances by all, Anthony LaPaglia stands out.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

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Audience Member

60/100. It's a fascinating idea, showing both sides of a sexual discrimination lawsuit, and what makes it work is that it isn't a black and white case and their appear to be lies and truths on both sides. It holds your interest because it has aroused your curiosity about what the outcome will be. It doesn't always deliver, but at least it held my interest and got me thinking. Good performances by all, Anthony LaPaglia stands out.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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Audience Member

Suzy Connor (Gia Carides) is accusing her boss Gary Fitzgerald (LaPaglia) of sexual harrasment. Although Gary has had a few indiscretions in the past, he flatly denies the claims and is backed up by his boss, Vince (Melville). However, unless the company pay what Suzy is demanding, it will go to court and that is something that Fitzgerald cannot allow happen. Willing to settle out-of-court, he scoffs at her $40,000 demands and the pair go head-to-head to find out who is lying and who is telling the truth. "Brilliant Lies" plays out like a stage play, heavy on characterisation and pretty much straight to the point. We see the main protagonists painted both black and white. We see Suzy as both the abused woman, and the drug-taking party girl. Gary is the suave womaniser and also a convincing protester of his innocence. On the periphary are chacters that are just as important to the story. Vince seems to be standing by Gary's side but Gary suspects that Vince does not believe him. Suzy's feminist sister, Zoe, wants to believe her but refuses to lie for her. Both sisters are traumitised by their abusive father, Brian (Ray Barrett), and made feel guilty for their dislike for him by their brother, Paul (Michael Veitch), who is unaware of the abuse. In the middle of it all is the tribunal mediator, Marion Lee (Wilkin), who must balance the claims of each party. The screenplay is not over-brimming with wonderful wit or insight, but it is competent. The two best known actors here are unsurprisingly the main two characters, but the support cast are by no means put to shame. While Zoe Carides and Michael Veitch give somewhat empty performances, Catherine Wilkin excels as the middle-person while Neil Melville is equally adept at portraying the business associate of LaPaglia. Special mention goes to Ray Barrett whose portrayal of failed businessman and groping father, Brian Connor, is so seedy and yet hilarious, that against your best wishes you can't help but make him the man you love to hate. By no means an authority on the subject, "Brilliant Lies" is however a watchable and entertaining look at the battle of the sexes.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A fine Aussie drama tale of a sexual harassment in which a secretary suing for wrongful dismissal and her macho ex-boss both appear to be unscrupulous liars.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

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Richard Franklin

Director

Gia Carides

Susy Connor

Anthony LaPaglia

Gary Fitzgerald

Zoe Carides

Katy Connor

Ray Barrett

Brian Connor

Michael Veitch

Paul Connor

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Luke Buckmaster

In Film Australia

Director Richard Franklin and playwright David Williamson combined their considerable creative forces for Brilliant Lies - a tight, steamy, wordy drama/thriller

Feb 24, 2008

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 3/5

Aug 10, 2005

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Caffeinated Clint

Moviehole

A stylish, brilliantly-performed piece of Australian Cinema

Rated: 3/5

Mar 23, 2005

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

LaPaglia can make reading the alphabet exciting...

Rated: 2.5/4

Aug 1, 2003

Full Review

Brandon Judell

PopcornQ

Rated: 2/5

May 8, 2003

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Synopsis

After being fired, Susy Connor (Gia Carides) files a complaint alleging that her boss, Gary Fitzgerald (Anthony LaPaglia), groped her after hours at the office. When they're brought in to mediate, conciliator Marion Lee (Catherine Wilkin) discovers that both sides' stories are inconsistent. Susy's sister, Katie (Zoe Carides), testifies on her behalf that their father (Ray Barrett) molested them both. Meanwhile, Gary's friend, Vince (Neil Melville), suspects Gary's denials are untrue.

Director: Richard Franklin
Production Co: Bayside Pictures, Horizon Films, Beyond Films
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 16, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $6.1K
Runtime: 1h 33m
Sound Mix: Surround