My Brilliant Career

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Brett C I first saw this on it's initial release responding to it in that it was me. It was and still is. Simply marvelous. Though have never believed in Mr Neilllll as an actor unless twisting one's neck and looking sideways is as such. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/17/22 Full Review William L She's a woman who refuses to compromise on her own vision of herself and he future. He's a dude who she kind of likes. Together they'll take this film exactly where you'll expect it will go. Davis gives off a resilient intensity that carries the film, though Britton as the elderly, uncompromising matriarch makes a good foil, while the remainder of the cast feels decent enough but not particularly memorable. There's passion, sure, but the framework was dated even by 1979 standards (not surprising given its basis in a 1901 novel) and doesn't update the material enough to make it compelling in the face of decades of similar prior works. The pacing's a bit jagged as well, such as Sybylla's late exile to the position of governess at a remote farm, overcoming this devastating twist of fate in moments without much in the way of clear character development to support it, and then immediately settling into a comfortable pastoral lifestyle. Also, I can't see Sam Neill a anything other than Dr. Alan Grant; if he's running through a field, he must be running to escape raptors or something. Competently made for the most part, well-remembered as a piece of women's liberation cinema, and led by a great breakout performance from Davis, but its presented rebelliousness is actually pretty traditional. (3/5) Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/05/21 Full Review joe m While an enjoyable film that is rather light hearted and uplifting, "My Brilliant Career" does have that unconventional movie feel that just seems to be trying too hard to be, well, unconventional. The period sets and costumes are spectacular while the acting is decent, Judy Davis gives a spirited and standout performance as Syb, yet less so coming from a young Sam Neill as Harry. Worth catching. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member An awful story and a waste of a woman's life and she hurt those around her and pursuit of becoming a writer was at her expense of having a meaningful life. As if she would be happy living alone forever more when she liked that guy so much. Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review matthew d An unconventional romance. Gillian Armstrong's Australian period drama My Brilliant Career (1979) is a beautifully shot romance of passionate and willful characters. The Australian landscapes look like some kind of natural heaven of pastoral views. The plentiful amount of fuzzy animals is just a bonus to the sweet rural vistas and genuine arcs that stay true to character. Armstrong directs with an empathetic eye with focused on the female gaze. She says so much with a single glance of the camera. Armstrong gives her characters realistic depth with her sensitive direction that reveals emotions with close-ups on the eyes and face. My Brilliant Career is a refreshing take on period dramas as it gives a voice to its feminist leading lady that wants a career over marriage. It is so earnest and insistent in its message that the characters breath a passionate love onto the screen. Judy Davis is so cute and charismatic as the free spirited Sybylla Melvyn. Her flowing red tresses and adorable freckles beget her tomboy nature and insecure teenage girl. Davis is astounding as the sympathetic lead as she transforms from an immature girl into a confident young lady of her own choosing. My Brilliant Career is a showcase for Davis' acting prowess and a positive role model for young girls seeking a career instead of simply marrying away their dreams. I liked it a lot. Notably, a young Sam Neill is so suave and charming as the frustrated and shy Harry Beecham. His playful personality builds a delightful chemistry next to Judy Davis. You actually will wish he could have gotten the girl since Neill is so likable. The serene piano score is particularly mesmerizing throughout My Brilliant Career. The main theme that Sybylla plays several times is so gentle and dreamy that it projects an atmospheric ambiance onto My Brilliant Career. I can still hear its graceful chimes. I adored the stunning Wendy Hughes as the kindly Aunt Helen. Her sweet persona is welcome compared to the harsher ladies forcing their wills upon Sybylla. I liked Aileen Britton as the stern and dictating Grandma Bossier. Patricia Kennedy is nice as Aunt Gussie. Peter Whitford is fun and endearing as Uncle Julius. Julia Blake is excellent as the desperate and frustrated mother to Sybylla. Lastly, Robert Grubb is hilarious as the stuffy British suitor Frank Hawdon. Overall, My Brilliant Career takes care in showing not telling how characters feel with remarkable shots of faces in clever framing. Alongside sublime acting from Judy Davis and Sam Neill, Gillian Armstrong's expressive direction makes My Brilliant Career a classic period drama with an Australian edge. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review spencer p A wonderful piece of Australian cinema for fans of period pieces, this is beautiful writing and solid performances presenting a very respectable kind of romance, and shedding light on underprivileged individuals anywhere. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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