A New Perspective on Australian Cinema
During another week filled with challenging news, readers of the Herald have found a refreshing change of pace in the form of an engaging and interactive piece that highlights the top 50 Australian films of all time. This feature, curated by some of the country’s most respected filmmakers, actors, and critics, offers a unique journey through Australia’s cinematic history. The visual stories team has created an online experience that feels like a stroll through the nation’s film legacy, showcasing both globally recognized hits and lesser-known gems that might have slipped under the radar for some.
The list is sure to spark debate, as it reveals that the best Australian film is not one of the more popular choices such as The Castle or Crocodile Dundee. Instead, it features a film that remains relevant even today, nearly two decades after its release. While The Castle was the most popular choice among readers as of Friday afternoon, followed by Gallipoli, Muriel’s Wedding, Strictly Ballroom, and The Dish, the actual top film has generated considerable discussion.
One film that recently made headlines, though not necessarily in the same league as the top 50, was the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada. Released 20 years after the original, this film received a four-star rating from our film critic, Sandra Hall. She praised the script for its clever mix of humor and seriousness. The sequel also introduced a new Australian heartthrob, Patrick Brammall, who took over from Simon Baker. According to Lauren Ironmonger, Brammall bonded with Anne Hathaway over ping pong and almost turned down the role.
While Sandra Hall appreciated the film, our fashion editor, Damien Woolnough, was less impressed with the clothing, which often steals the spotlight in the Devil franchise. He described the central runway scene in Milan as lacking authenticity, comparing it to a $50 Hermes Birkin bag bought in Bali. His critical piece is sure to be a hit with fashion enthusiasts and those who are simply curious about high-end style.
Cultural Highlights and Artistic Achievements
The culture team had a busy week, covering several notable events. Arts writer Michaela Boland reported on the announcement of the finalists for the Archibald Prize, one of Sydney’s most anticipated visual arts events. The Packing Room Prize was awarded to Sean Layh for his detailed portrait of actor Jacob Collins performing Hamlet. Layh cited a portrait of comedians Roy and HG he saw 25 years ago as an influence.
Linda Morris, who knows the Sydney arts scene inside out, wrote about a parliamentary committee’s report warning that efforts to revive Sydney’s nightlife have come at the expense of the state’s arts and culture sectors. As Liz Giuffre noted in an opinion piece, Sydney’s live music scene is experiencing a revival, reminiscent of the heydays of the Hopetoun Hotel.
Readers can look forward to the culture team’s coverage of the Venice Biennale, where controversy has already emerged over the Russian entry.
Another vital part of Sydney’s arts scene is its literary community. This week, the Herald featured Anna Funder, one of the city’s prominent writers, who discussed her confidence in the coexistence of human creativity and artificial intelligence with senior writer Jacqueline Maley.
Literary Coverage and New Appointments
The Herald has also demonstrated its commitment to literary coverage with a significant new appointment. Melanie Kembrey, who has been the editor of Spectrum for five years, will now become the national books editor. With a strong influence on literary coverage, Mel has interviewed renowned authors such as Margaret Atwood, Peter Carey, and Zadie Smith. She also oversees the SMH Best Young Australian Novelists prize. Her new role will focus entirely on books and literary news, which is a positive development for readers.
On the topic of books, there was some controversy this week regarding whether Roald Dahl’s The Twits contains an anti-beard bias. A piece by writer Michelle Cazzulino, who clearly has a deep understanding of children’s literature, provided a humorous take on the issue. It is a great read for anyone looking for a chuckle over the weekend.
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