Looking for Alibrandi
| Looking for Alibrandi | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Kate Woods |
| Produced by | Robyn Kershaw |
| Written by | Melina Marchetta |
| Starring | Pia Miranda Kick Gurry Anthony LaPaglia Greta Scacchi Elana Cotta |
| Music by | Silverchair Killing Heidi |
| Cinematography | Toby Oliver |
| Editing by | Martin Connor |
| Running time | 103 minutes |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English/ Italian |
Looking for Alibrandi is a 1999 Australian film written by Melina Marchetta based on the novel of the same name. The film sets in the 1990s Sydney, New South Wales and starring Australian actors, including Pia Miranda as Josephine Alibrandi, the film's main character, Anthony LaPaglia as her father, Michael Andretti, who left her and her mother before her birth, and Kick Gurry as Josie’s love interest, Jacob Coote. The film has been recognized by winning the Australian Film Institute Award.
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[edit] Plot
Looking for Alibrandi begins light-heartedly, and the viewer gets a very quick understanding of Josie's character through her interactions with her friends and family. As the film progresses, the glamour that is initially associated with Josie begins to fade as we watch her struggle to cope with her final year of school (especially the racist attitude of one girl in particular, Carly Bishop (Leeanna Walsman), the suicide of her crush, John Barton (Matthew Newton), and meeting with Michael Andretti (Anthony LaPaglia), her father, of whom has only just found out about her existence upon returning to Sydney for work. Plus, of course, there is the never ending conflict between her and her grandmother, Katia Alibrandi (Elena Cotta).
However, these complications are seemingly resolved quickly, in keeping with Josie's brusque and forthright outlook on life. For example, in response to Carly's continuous snide remarks, she breaks her tormentor's nose with a history textbook. It is this summary act that brings her father back into her life.
Another complication—the suicide of her unrequited best friend, John Barton—tests her resilience. Struggling with her grief, she finds comfort to a certain extent within Jacob Coote, he was a 'bad boy' on the outside, but he was found out to be a sincere and caring person on the inside.
The most significant complication and challenge for Josie, though, is her rocky relationship with her erstwhile father, Michael Andretti. When they get to know each other, and recognise themselves in each other, their rift heals, and she can confide in him.
[edit] Production
The film is produced by Robyn Kershaw. The entire film was filmed in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia including such locations as Glebe (Alibrandi's house), Bondi Beach, Sydney Central Station on Eddy Avenue, the Studio space and entrance of Sydney Opera House (the Have your Say Day scene), George Street /ANZAC Bridge (the scene where Jacob Coote sent Josephine Alibrandi home with his motorcycle), the Scots College and Kincoppal School were also used throughout the film, the main Quadrangle of University of Sydney (the John Barton & Josephine Alibrandi scene), Village Cinema (Jacob & Josie's date) and Oporto (where Josie works part-time).
[edit] Critical acclaim
The film, while not well known in markets such as the USA or UK, has received critical acclaim for its insights into both the second-generation-migrant experience and the universal human condition.
Looking For Alibrandi is an assured first film from TV director Kate Woods, giving its multicultural terrain the true respect and depth it deserves."[1]
[edit] Box Office
Looking For Alibrandi grossed $8,280,885 at the box office in Australia.[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Looking for Alibrandi at the Internet Movie Database
- Looking For Alibrandi on australianscreen online
- Looking for Alibrandi at the National Film and Sound Archive
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