4th Dungog Film Festival Program
Starstruck
| Friday, 28-May-2010 | 5:00 PM | at: James Theatre |
Credits: Dir: Gillian Armstrong / Scr: Stephen MacLean / Prod: David Elfick, Richard Brennan / Cast: Ross O'Donovan, Jo Kennedy / 1982, Rated PG
Duration: 105 mins
STUDENT PROGRAM FRIENDLY
Gillian Armstrong's Starstruck surprised critics after her feminist-inclined historical drama My Brilliant Career. It's now recognised as one of the best Aussie musicals ever made. Jackie Mullens (Jo Kennedy) dreams of becoming a singing star and her cousin Angus (Ross O'Donovan) thinks he has what it takes to be a successful manager. After a spot at the hip club in town (wearing a kangaroo suit) fails to win Jackie any paying gigs, Angus enters her in a major talent competition to be held on New Year's Eve. If Jackie wins, her career is assured, and the $25,000 grand prize will help keep her family's pub open.
The songs are provided by Phil Judd and are performed with his band of the day, The Swingers (who beat out Men at Work and INXS for the job). Look out for the skinny stage wrangler in the climactic concert sequence - it's Geoffrey Rush in his first film appearance. Though the critics of the day didn't love this film, it has a huge place in the hearts of audiences and has become a cult classic. Head back to the 80s and rock along with Starstruck.
Courtesy of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
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Festival Buzz:
melissa commented on 05-May-2010 03:07 PM and rated it:
i luv this movie startstruck with streling knight
Simon commented on 10-May-2010 04:04 PM and rated it:
I saw this as an impressionable teenager at the late, lamented Roxy cinema in Parramatta and it was a blast! I'll have my Starstruck soundtrack LP with me in Dungog and I'll be seeking the brilliant Gillian Armstrong's autograph for sure. A great film.
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