My Brilliant Career Movie Review 1979

Sybella (Davis) is a poor, headstrong young woman spurns the social expectations of turn-of-the-century Australia and pursues opportunities to broaden her intellect and preserve her independence. This despite the fact that she loves Harry (Neill), a handsome, wealthy farmer. Davis is wonderful as the energetic and charismatic community trendsetter, especially in the scenes transforming her from a tomboy to a "lady." Has an excellent supporting cast. Based on an autobiographical novel by Miles Franklin which has been marvelously transferred to the screen. Armstrong deserves credit for her fine direction.

Distribution

Vestron Video, c/o Artisan Home Entertainment, 2700 Colorado Ave., Ste. 200, Santa Monica, CA 90404-5502, Phone: (310)449-9200, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS
Running time 101 minutes.
Originally from Australian.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Down Under, Women, War Between the Sexes, Coming of Age, Writers

Screenplay

Eleanor Witcombe

Cast

Judy Davis, Sam Neill, Wendy Hughes, Robert Grubb, Patricia Kennedy, Aileen Britton, Peter Whitford, Alan Hopgood, Julia Blake

Cinematography

Donald McAlpine

Director

Gillian Armstrong

Music

Nathan Waks

Producer

Analysis Film Releasing Corporation

Awards

Australian Film Inst. 1979: Film; British Acad. 1980: Actress (Davis).