Brilliant Lies

1996 Australian film
  • 8 August 1996 (1996-08-08)
Running time
94 minutesCountryAustraliaLanguageEnglishBudgetA$3.5 million[1]Box officeA$199,329 (Australia)

Brilliant Lies is a 1996 Australian drama film produced by Bayside Pictures and Beyond Films. It stars Gia Carides and Anthony LaPaglia. It was directed by Richard Franklin and produced by Sue Farrelly, Kim McKillop and Richard Franklin. It was written by Peter Fitzpatrick and Richard Franklin, based on a play by David Williamson.

Nerida Tyson-Chew composed the music score, the second time she had composed for a film directed by Richard Franklin (after Hotel Sorrento).

The film was an adaptation of David Williamson's play of the same name, published by Currency Press in 1993.[2]

The theme song is included on Kate Ceberano's 1996 album Blue Box.

Plot synopsis

Susy Conner accuses former employer Gary Fitzgerald of harassment and unfair dismissal for failing to comply with his sexual demands. Relating the incident to conciliation lawyer Marion Lee, Susy comments that the trauma experienced should entitle her to a compensation payment of $40,000.

Cast

  • Anthony LaPaglia as Gary Fitzgerald
  • Gia Carides as Susy Connor
  • Zoe Carides as Katy Connor
  • Ray Barrett as Brian Connor
  • Catherine Wilkin as Marion Lee
  • Michael Veitch as Paul Connor
  • Neil Melville as Vince
  • Jennifer Jarman-Walker as Ruth Miller

Production

Richard Franklin had seen the play on stage and decided to make it after having successfully filmed a stage play Hotel Sorrento.[3] The film was shot in July 1995.[1]

Box office

Brilliant Lies grossed $199,329 in Australia.[4]

Reception

Brilliant Lies received positive reviews from critics, earning an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Accolades

Award Category Subject Result
AACTA Awards
(1996 AFI Awards)
Best Actress Gia Carides Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Ray Barrett Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Zoe Carides Nominated
AGSC Award Best Original Song Composed for the Screen Nerida Tyson-Chew Nominated

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Production Survey", Cinema Papers, August 1995 p60
  2. ^ Williamson, David (1993). Brilliant Lies. Sydney: Currency Press. ISBN 9780868193717. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  3. ^ "Interview with Richard Franklin", Signet, 15 September 1995 Archived 1 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 18 November 2012
  4. ^ "Film Victoria - Australian Films at the Australian Box Office" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 February 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2010.

External links

  • v
  • t
  • e
Films directed by Richard Franklin
  • v
  • t
  • e
Plays
Screenplays
  • Stork (1971)
  • Libido (1973)
  • Petersen (1974)
  • The Removalists (1975)
  • Eliza Fraser (1975)
  • Don's Party (1976)
  • The Department (1980) (TV movie)
  • The Club (1980)
  • Gallipoli (1981)
  • Duet for Four (1982)
  • The Year of Living Dangerously (1983)
  • Phar Lap (1983)
  • The Last Bastion (1984) (TV series) - also produced
  • The Perfectionist (1987) (TV movie)
  • Emerald City (1987)
  • Travelling North (1987)
  • Touch the Sun: Princess Kate (1988) (TV)
  • A Dangerous Life (1988) (TV mini-series)
  • The Four Minute Mile (1988)
  • Sanctuary (1995)
  • Brilliant Lies (1996)
  • Dog's Head Bay (1999) (TV series)
  • On the Beach (2000) (TV series)
  • Balibo (2009)
  • Face to Face (2011)