Looking for Alibrandi (film): Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 11:24, 20 April 2007
- This article is about the film. See Looking For Alibrandi (novel) for the book.
| Looking For Alibrandi | |
|---|---|
| File:Looking For Alibrandi Film.jpg Sometimes what you’re looking for is closer than you think... | |
| Directed by | Kate Woods |
| Written by | Melina Marchetta |
| Produced by | Robyn Kershaw |
| Starring | Pia Miranda, Kick Gurry, Anthony LaPaglia, Greta Scacchi, Elana Cotta |
| Cinematography | Toby Oliver |
| Edited by | Martin Connor |
| Music by | Silverchair, Killing Heidi |
Running time | 103 min |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English/Italian |
Looking For Alibrandi is an internationally acclaimed novel and feature film, written by Melina Marchetta and published in October 1992. The novel and film is set in the 1990s, starring Australian talent, 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.
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]
"This new Aussie film is made to appeal directly to young teenage girls, and in that demographic this is a 4-star effort. The characters are rich and engaging, the storylines thought-provoking yet nice enough to be generally appealing. The humour is a little off the wall but is good, while the drama really works effectively." [2]
Plot
Template:Spoiler The film "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 (particularly the racist attitude of one girl in particular, Carly Bishop (Leeanna Walsman), the suicide of her sweetheart, John Barton (Matthew Newton), and meeting with Michael Andretti, 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 sweetheart - tests her resilience. Despite struggling with her grief, she meets a new friend, Jacob Coote, the quintessential 'bad boy' who soon shows himself to be sincere and loving 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.
But, just as Josie starts to get her life under control, it all spirals back out again. Her boyfriend ditches her. Her father is forced to move away again. She sits her Higher School Certificate. And she discovers the horrible secret about her family's past.
The "Alibrandi Curse", as her grandmother puts it, has struck again.
Cast
- Pia Miranda.. as Josephine Alibrandi (main character)
- Greta Scacchi as Christina Alibrandi
- Anthony LaPaglia as Michael Andretti
- Elena Cotta as Katia Alibrandi
- Kick Gurry as Jacob Coote
- Matthew Newton as John Barton
- Leeanna Walsman as Carly Bishop
- Kerry Walker as Sister Louise, the strict nun who presides over the Roman Catholic College Josie attends
- Leanne Carlow as Sera Conti, Josie's crazy, outgoing, happy-go-lucky friend
- Diane Viduka as Anna Selicic, Josie's other friend, and the exact opposite of Sera
