My Brilliant Career

Judy Davis is terrific --she gives the right blend of coltish independence and narcissism that keeps her character from being one of those modern types whose smarter than the all the yahoos, which you see so often in historical films. Gillian Anderson's direction is assured and her work with DP Donald McAlpine results in an image of a wilderness streaked with fissures of encroaching modernity.

Gorgeous cinematography (especially in detail shots) and Judy Davis' naturalistic acting are the highlights of this period piece.

m'lady, would thou throw another shrimp on the barbie? most splendid mate

It's always fun to watch Judy Davis lead with her chin, and sharp, distinctive onscreen personality was basically in place from the beginning. Armstrong balances the storytelling nicely, evoking the period without letting the film become needlessly smothered by its trappings. It emphasizes the story's universal qualities rather than its sterling credentials as a piece of the revered, solemn past.

What one desires is often not what others want (for themselves or for you), particularly problematic if you are a young woman aspiring to be a writer in colonial Australia in the 1890s. A very young Judy Davis and Sam Neil make for an interesting synergy of playfulness and self-denial (or is it?). Armstrong and Donald McAlpine (cinematographer) perfectly capture the essence of the harsh Australian landscape (physical and social) of this nascent nation.

An overrated and overpraised film of the Australian New Wave that is a classically romantic and lush period piece, which is fine with me on surface level, but I would've appreciated less canoodling and more of the 'career' in the title -- we see none of it, yet the film concludes that this woman wrote her novel in the first few years of her adult life. Aside from this irk, this is an immaculate production sporting an absorbing lead performance, though ultimately remains limp.

Excellent lead performance, which is vital in a film like this which focuses on the character's inner conflict and frustrations. The final act loses a bit of steam and changes the thrust of the film's themes, but even it is pretty solid.

Beautifully filmed period drama, featuring a young Judy Davis and Sam Neill.

One of those movies that has made absolutely no impression on me. I don't think I can recall a single shot

Armstrong's eye for detail and Davis's performance dominate this fine import.

A surprisingly magnetic period piece, which manages to outclass many of its peers through its gorgeous costume/makeup, some brilliant naturally-lit outdoor shots and the caliber of its actors. I'm a dude and I enjoyed this entirely too much. It manages to pack a bigger punch than its Jane Austen breatheren, too, by adding ambiguity and resisting the clean narrative finish.