STAR STRUCK
(MED231/431 Australian Cinema - Garry Gillard)
Part 1 : Film Information
Director : Gillian Armstrong
Producer : David Elfick and Richard Brennan
Production Company : Palm Beach Pictures
Year : 1982
Done by : Sameeah Taib (30351915)
Principal Cast :
Jo Kennedy, Ross O' Donnovan, Margo Lee, Max Cullan, Pat Evison, John O' May, The Swingers
Credits:
Associate Producer/Screenwriter: Stephen Maclean
Cinematographer: Russel Boyd
Editor: Nicholas Beuman
Art Director: Kimble Hilder
Set Designer: Lissa Coote
Costume Designer: Liciana Arrighi / Terry Ryan
Choreographer: Dave Atkins
Composer: Jo Kennedy/ Tim Finn
Musical Direction/ Supervision: Mark Moffatt
Running Time: 97 minutes
Release Dates:
Theatrical – 11 September 1982
Video Release – 29 August 1995
DVD -30 June 2004
Box Office Figures : $1,541, 000 (Australian Film Commision)
Interviews with Filmmakers :
Since the film is made in 1982, it was hard to find such sources on this film since it is one of the first few musical films being made in Australia and at the same time, there were no web page during that time. Knowing that it was a new type of film during that time, interviews were conducted but unfortunately was not published online. Instead interviews with the filmmakers and actors can be found in tapes that can be seen from 'Hosted By Film Maker John A. Gallagher, Series I: Interviews in 1980' (http://www.tvdays.com/directorseries.html) and dvds which also contains deleted and extended scenes.
Reviews :
There are a couple of reviews that can be found on the search engine. Most of the reviews came from CD/DVD/VHS reviews.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E6DB103BF933A25752C1A964948260
http://www.category.org/category_search.php?mode=video&search=starstruck
http://www.vh1.com/movies/movie/33173/review.jhtml
http://www.medianugget.com/2000/04/starstruck.html
http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/movie.html?v_id=46686
http://print.google.com/print/doc?articleid=XWeSWXluomJ
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084728/usercomments
http://www.cinephilia.net.au/show_amovie.php?movieid=2458
http://www.tvguide.com/movies/database/ShowMovie.asp?MI=11527
http://www.channel4.com/film/reviews/film_t.jsp?id=108696
On- Line Presence :
It is noted that in order to find information of this film, it is better to type StarStruck alongside with its director name which is Gillian Armstrong in order not to confuse with another hit TV series that is also called StarStruck. Many of the online presence were basically the film collection items, owning the VHS/DVDs or just short reviews that were made by people and reviewers who have watch it. Because it was made by Gillian Armstrong, it was pretty clear that people could also find her smash hit movies like Charlotte Gray and Oscar and Lucinda being listed on the search site as she is famous for those movies. As the movie was set and shown during 1982, there were no internet access and therefore it explains why it seems to be difficult to find interviews and more reviews about the filmmaker.
Part 2: Critical Review
Plot/Synopsis
StarStruck is a film that is set back during 80's background and it is about making a dream into a reality even though the characters are struggling to save their family pub. Jackie Mullens is a barmaid who works in a working class family pub under the Harbour View Hotel. As she is disinterested of being one, her dream is actually becoming a sensational singer and Angus, her cousin is there to support her. Angus got her into a gig in Lizzard Lounge whereby she enters the stage by wearing a Kangaroo Suits. Knowing that she needs a band, she meets Robbie and the Wombats there. Robbie is impressed by her upbeat performance especially her voice. Later, they were seen on the bed together. The next day, instead of being and learning in school, Angus determines to outstand Jackie in order to get her notice as there is going to be a competition at the Sydney Opera House on New Years Eve. The only way to get into the competition is to impress the WOW! Show TV- show, Terry Lambert, who is Jackie's crush. However, he needs to make sure that Pearl, Jackie's mother is out of the house as she wants him to be in school and this might interfere him in doing so. Somehow, Pearl needs to go for a holiday and with Jackie's help, Angus does not need to attend any classes. One day, Angus called Terry and told him that Jackie will perform a high-wire act in naked. While Jackie did her crazy performance, she becomes the centre of attention in the media but she and Angus got arrested later. The good thing is Terry bails them out and when they went back to the hotel; The Wombats are there to play a tune together with Jackie just in time to show Terry their talents. Terry offers Jackie a spot in his show but the excitement got cut off as Pearlcame back unexpectedly with Angus' father, Lou. On the day of the show, Angus overheard Pearl's conversation with one of the brewery executive as he demanded money to pay for the pub. He realize that the only way to save the pub is for Jackie to enter the competition as it offers $25, 000 for the winner. However, Jackie made things worse by accepting Terry's offer by performing solo with the studio band and not the Wombats as she feels it is the right way to do in order to make her dream come true. She ignores them and Angus and The Wombats storm out from the room. But throughout the whole performance, Jackie realize that the song that she performed was not her style and she felt frustrated. Terry tries to comfort her by asking her to the pool party and of course she got excited. Her heart was broken as she finds out that Terry is a gay and went home to ask Angus and Robbie for forgiveness. Being forgivable and a loving cousin, Angus forgives her and tells her that they might lose the pub. She feels bad and later, everyone finds out that their money in the safe is gone and what is even more peculiar is that Angus' dad, Lou is gone too. Now everyone is frustrated and soon Angus manages to come out with another plan in order to get into the competition and win the money for the pub. On the competition day, Angus, Jackie and The Wombats dressed up as the WOW! Crew and manage to sneak in. They set their final act's equipment and made the crowd go wild. In the end, they win the $25,000 and everyone is happy.
Critical Review
This story somehow impresses me in many ways. Even though it is set in the 80's era with awful costumes, weird hair-dos and thick make-ups but Gillian Armstrong manage to make the film so alive, young, vibrant and quirky. Like her before film 'My Brilliant Career', it portrays about a woman and making your dream into a reality and Jo Kennedy does a pretty good job for being Jackie Mullens. Even though dreams are just dreams but with a determination of wanting to make it happen, dreams will eventually become a reality. It is like what Angus said 'If you want a Volkswagen, you'll end up with a Volkswagen'.
The characters in this film are unique in their own ways. For example, Jo Kennedy's image on becoming Jackie Mullens is interesting as she has this star quality in her. She sings the songs, she grooves to her own beat and she even has this luscious red hair that makes her memorable especially it is her first debut acting role in a film. Besides that, her enthusiastic behavior makes Jackie Mullens so lively. Ross O' Donovan also makes his character Angus a special one. Angus can be seen as a determined and ambitious boy on wanting to make his cousin a famous person. From here, what seems to be impressive is knowing this two actors whom have never acted before, act quite well for their first film. Their facial expressions, body movements and of course their humor can manage to enlighten the audience from their seats.
Another thing that triggered my mind was the whole choreography of the dance and singing routine in this film. Such differentiation from other dancing movies that I have watch, it can be said that StarStruck has its own dancing and singing identity. It can be seen slowly from the entrance of Jackie and Angus in the Lizard Lounge whereby everybody is dancing to The Swingers' tune. The dance routine was peculiar but interesting as it is well choreograph for an 80's film. Choreographed hand movements like swaying it up and down or slapping the partners face makes the dance move a distinctive one. Another apparent thing is that every single song that is being performed in different scene has a meaning. Take an example of Angus singing 'I Want to Live in a House'. He sang the song right after Jackie had some conflict with him saying that she wants to make her own decision by singing solo. The song itself signifies frustration, anger and upset as it relates to Jackie's behaviour towards Angus and the chances of losing a place to stay – the Harbour View Hotel. All the features songs that are being performed in this film are all catchy and somehow shows a New-Wave/ Punk rock culture in 80's.
My other concern of this film is actually the colours. The colour that is being portrayed by Gillian in every scene are bright for instance red, blue and etcetera as these colours show the colourful theme of this film. Colours are important in films as it shows what sorts of story the film is portraying and in this film, Gillian uses these effect in order to create a cheerful and exciting mood of the story as the film gives a positive impact to the audience. Besides that, it was pretty obvious to see Harbour Bridge as the motif of this film. Throughout the whole film, you can see the Harbour Bridge everywhere like on the wall, the long shots of the bridge and etcetera. With such techniques, Gillian has manage to make other Australian filmmakers following her footsteps to make a vibrant musical films and these can be seen from 'Muriel's Wedding', 'Strictly Ballroom', 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the dessert' and etcetera.
Critical Uptake
Reviews that were being raised on StarStruck were mainly good as the film itself shows a good sign of an Australian attribute. Even though this film is in the 80's category with an odd sense of fashion and familiar vehicles, Armstrong has manage to keep the audience and reviewers in their seat as the film itself is distinctive from other films. Many applaud Armstrong and her crewmates work for making this film.
--"Script is pure fantasy material offering director Gillian Armstrong the opportunity to send-up the likes of Busby Berkeley and Garland-Rooney musicals. The film certainly doesn't lack energy. Camerawork by Russell Boyd is glossy and fluid and song-and-dance routines are loud and splashy…" (Variety.com, Jan 1, 1982)
--"Starstruck is a musical with real heart; the 1980s hairdos and giant kangaroo costumes can't cover up the movie's deep central conviction that dreams really can come true…" (Ali Davis, Amazon Editorial review)
-- "Visually inventive, "Star Struck" features a terrific, energetic cast and lots of great music (buy the soundtrack, it's worth it). Something of a cult film in the U.S., it's a movie that deserves discovery…" (IMDb)
However, there were a few that were surprised by this film as they felt it was a quick change for Armstrong to do because she was known for directing the serious 'My Brilliant Career'. Critics were not really amused by this fact but all agreed upon admiring StarStruck's character particularly Jackie, Angus and surprisingly Nana as they are the ones that make the movie alive. This also gives an impression that first-time actors can attract the audience attention if they play the right role in film. However, it is noted that audience can never see the funny Ross O' Donovan as he is longer acting. Besides that, many of them enjoyed the soundtracks of this film. Songs from Jo Kennedy like 'Temper Temper' and 'Monkey In Me' made an uplifting impact towards the audience as some says it is 'quirky', 'silly and ridiculous that you can't help but hum them all day', 'the music is catchy' and etcetera. From here, such review contributes the rising of this film even though it manages to grab other countries attention compare in Australia. Beside that, some of them seems not to be getting enough of the dance steps as it was well choreograph and has distinct itself from other dance movies. Although the reviews are taken mostly from DVD and video release, most of them gave a positive thumbs up to the film as they seem to enjoy watching this 80's classic movie.
The Production
StarStruck is Armstrong's second film after My Brilliant Career. She decided to do this film because she wants to try something which was completely different from her previous one as the first film was depicted within the period drama and women's films. She tries for something new which was a high energy, rock musical written by Stephen Maclean. The film is visually stylised, obviously musically based and resumes her collaboration with cinematographer Russell Boyd (The Singer and the Dancer, 1976). She likes to take freshly new unknown actors to cast in this film and that is how Jo Kennedy landed as Jackie and Ross Donovan as Angus. The entire film is shot in the city of Sydney and there are repeated exterior shots showing the image of the HarbourBridge. It was the first film to be produced in Dolby Studio but because Australia did not have all of the required Dolby equipment, the post production was completed inLos Angeles. While being there, the first public screening was brought out by the producers in order to give a sneak preview at the Los Angeles Film Festival, Filmex (not to be confused with the Australian Film Industry Expo) on Wednesday, March 24, 1982.
Responses and feedback from the United States and throughout the world was very positive especially to Jo Kennedy's performance as she has demonstrated a terrific range under the most difficult of situations. But the film was received poorly at home since StarStruck was basically a postcard view of Australia and people had little interest in it.
Few years after StarStruck, it was told that in one 35mm theatrical short expensive produced, Jo (as directed) practically reprises the Jackie Mullens character in a small part. The production had even outfitted her in almost the same tutu from the musical.
The Filmmakers and main actors
The Filmmakers
Gillian Armstrong was born on December 18, 1950, and raised in Vermont, Melbourne. She studied General Art which also includes film at Swinburne technical college in 1968 and then graduated in the first group of directors to go through the newly developed Australian Film and Televison School (now the AFTRS) along with Phil Noyce and Chris Noonan. While she was studying there, she has to pay her tuition fees by working as a waitress. She has worked as production assistant, editor and art director and served as "tea girl" on Fred Schepisi's film 'Libido' (1973). She has directed short dramas, music videos, short and long form documentaries and feature length dramas in Australia and the US. She received an AM for services to the Australian film industry, a Doctor of Letters from the University of New South Wales and the Hollywood Crystal Award for Women in Film.
Her first feature film was 'My Brilliant Career' which combined a modern sensibility concerning a romantic relationship between male and from a 19th-century novel and it was the highlight of the period drama film genre which was popular in Australiaduring that time.
Her next film would be a different approach which was StarStruck, a musical film as she wants to demonstrate that she could direct more than period drama and women's films. She has collaborated with many acclaimed filmmakers and one of them is Stephen Maclean whom she met at a party one night when both of them were very drunk and he became the scriptwriter and the associate producer for this quirky and explosive film. She also teams up with Russell Boyd, a famous cinematographer that has done various types of films, television features and documentary which earned him numerous awards and nominations like 'Between Wars' 'Break of Day', 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', 'The Last Wave', 'The Chain Reaction', 'Gallipoli', 'The Year of Living Dangerously', 'Burke & Wills', 'Prisoners of the Sun', 'Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World'. Apart from that, producers like Richard Brennan and David Elfick are involved in this film. Richard Brennan has produced a number of films which has made him an acclaimed producer in the Australian film and TV industry. He is known for films like 'Homesdale' (producer), 'The Adventures of Barry McKenzie' (production manager), 'The Love Letters from Teralba Road' (producer), 'Newsfront' (associate producer), which won eight AFI Awards including Best Film and Best Director for Phil Noyce, 'The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith' (pre-production manager), 'Stir' (producer), 'Blood Oath' (line producer), 'Spotswood' (co-producer), 'Cosi' (producer) and 'The Last of the Ryans' (producer), which was a finalist in the AFI Awards for Best Mini-series. He most recently produced the Tropfest finalist short film 'All Shook Up'. David Elfick on the other hand has also worked various films that some of it are award wining films like 'Palm beach', 'Newsfront', 'No worries','Love in Limbo','Harbour Beat','Rabbit-Proof Fence', 'Around the World in Eighty Ways','Blackrock','The Chain Reaction', 'Undercover'and'Emoh Ruo'.
After Star Struck, Armstrong made other films that made her an uprising international director as she made movies that includes international actors, settings and stories. These include Mrs Soffel (1984), Little Women (1994), Oscar and Lucinda (1997) and most recently Charlotte Gray (2001). She has alternated these films with contemporary and low-budget Australian films, featuring rock music, creative technical solutions and explorations of post-feminist themes. Armstrong directed her first American film, Mrs Soffel, in 1984, and her most recent film, Charlotte Gray, was principally shot in theUK, at Pinewood Studios. Her other known Australian films include High Tide (1987)and The Last Days of Chez Nous (1992).
The main actors
Jo Kennedy (Jackie Mullens) is an international known director/actor. She first started her acting debut in this film and sings several songs like 'Temper Temper', 'It's Not Enough', 'Tough', 'My Belief In You', 'Monkey In Me' and 'Body and Soul' in which made most of the audience satisfied every single bit of it. Later, she acted in films like 'The Boy Who had Everything', 'Wrong World' which have won her the Silver Bear for "Best Actress" at the 1985 Berlin Film Festival, 'Tender Hooks 'and 'The Golden Braid'. Besides films, she received some offer and took part in plays. This includes 'The Kid', 'Slow Love', 'Cuckoo's Country' and 'My Sister in this House' Apart from that, she also did TV features in films and dramas like 'Pokerface'and 'The Pack of Women'. Later, Jo decided to try out something new which is directing. Her first short film as a director was 'Roast', which was so good that it was added to the Australian Film Institute's collection and later made a second film called 'Quill'. Later she made other films like 'The Bridge' and 'The Forest'.
Unfortunately, there is not much information about Ross O' Donovan (Angus). He only started acting in StarStruck followed by Phar Lap but later, he is not seen acting in other films. Even though he is no longer acting, but his character as crazy, adorable and odd Angus still remains fresh in the minds of StarStruck's fans.
Mark Moffat (Robbie – Wombat) is known for being one of the most experienced and successful producer and musician in Australia. His role as Robbie fits well in StarStruck as he does have talents in playing instruments. Part of the soundtracks in this film are produced by him like 'Temper Temper', 'It's Not Enough', 'Tough', 'Body and Soul', 'My Belief in You', 'Turnaround' and 'Monkey In Me'. Apart from that, Mark has acted in other films like 'High Tide', 'Delinquents', 'Fields of Fire 1,2 & 3', 'Back of Beyond' and 'Rough Diamonds'.
Genre and Value
There are various types or genre in this film in order to distinct itself from other films. It is pretty obvious to call it as a musical film as throughout the whole film, the actors sung all the songs and the dance moves are well-choreograph. Besides that, comedy fits well in defining this film by seeing Jackie and Angus' behavior. The way they interact with each other and pulling off crazy stunts, you can not deny the fact that there are some comedy elements in this film. Apart from that, there is a bit of women's film aspect in this film as it is a story about a girl who is struggling to make her dreams come true and at the same time, trying to save her family's pub. From there, you can see Jackie's character being an independent girl who is working as a barmaid as she is helping her mother's pub but at the same time, she is an ambitious person by wanting to do what she loves the most – singing. This also shows a sense of empowerment that can be seen in women as they too can achieve their dream and be independent if they are not weak. From these three types of genres, it is noted that Armstrong used it as to distinct this film from her other films as she wants to try out something new and vibrant.
In addition, StarStruck has shown a good Australian Value towards the audience. This can be seen when Armstrong has cleverly emphasis showing an Australia identity throughout the whole film. What may be seen familiar to the Australian is probably the repeated usage of Harbour View Bridge in every single scene. Besides that, the actors and the filmmakers in this film are mainly Australian. The recognizable animals in Australia are apparent as Armstrong introduced animals like kangaroo and wombats that are commonly found in Australia. This can be seen when Jackie herself wears the kangaroo suit upon going to perform in the Lizzard Lounge. Apart from that, a scene whereby Jackie went to Terry's party shows the usage of sharks and surfing board also signifies the Australian identity as people in Australia are also known for loving surfing and getting shark attacks. Last but not least is the Sydney Opera House. It somehow shows one of the landmarks of Australia as people from other country know that the Opera House is from Australia. StarStruck has managed to make itself a truly Australian movie. Even though, it did not reach its high peak in it's own country but somehow manage to get notice outside it's homeland like United States. From there, it also shows that Australian films could also be as successful as Hollywood films as Armstrong has managed to receive a wider audience outside her homeland. Because of its brave attempt on being one of the first musical films, it is no wonder that other filmmakers in Australia followed Armstrong footsteps in order to establish more Australian musical films as to distinct its country from others. For instance, filmmakers from 'Strictly Ballroom' have won numerous awards and shows that Australian film has its own quality to it. In the end, it is easy to sum up the essay by saying that Gillian Armstrong has outdone herself by showing the true Australian in her as she tried various ways in making films particularly the genre. It also shows that StarStruck may not be as popular as other musical films but it could be one of the reasons that make other musical films being made.
Bibliography
StarStruck. 1982. Motion picture. Distributed by Embassy Home Entertainment/Australian Video, and starring Jo Kennedy, Ross O' Donovan and Mark Moffat.
The following websites were all accessed 18th April 2005
http://www.vh1.com/movies/movie/33173/moviemain.jhtml
http://www.vh1.com/movies/movie/33173/review.jhtml
http://www.vh1.com/movies/person/33324/personmain.jhtml
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E6DB103BF933A25752C1A964948260
http://www.beer1.freeler.nl/PaginasDoPh/boyd.htm
http://www.rachaelwarwick.com/2amoffattprofile.htm
http://www.hollywood.com/celebs/detail/celeb/1116063
http://www.dga.org/news/mag_archives/v20-4/armstrong.html
http://www.hushvideos.com/AFT-Gil.shtml
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0084728/combined
http://www.the-cosmic-forces.net/cast/kennedy_jo.html
http://movies.channel.aol.com/movie/main.adp?tab=synop&mid=1033465
http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=B79948
http://www.sensesofcinema.com/contents/directors/02/armstrong.html
http://www.tvguide.com/movies/database/ShowMovie.asp?MI=11527
http://www.afc.gov.au/GTP/mrboxaust.html