my brilliant career

THE FLICK: Although it could be interpreted as feminist propaganda, this adaptation of Miles Franklin’s semi-autobiographical novel set in turn of the century Australia is above all else a romance...only its central character, Sybylla Melvyn, is in love with life rather than any one man in particular. An early prototype for the Merchant-Ivory films that would clog arthouses a few years later with the adventures of upper-crust Brits abroad, director Gillian Armstrong gives her story more room to breathe, using the wide open landscape as a counterpoint to her central character’s social and creative oppression. A plain-faced teen with grand artistic ambitions, Sybylla (Judy Davis) is stifled on her parent’s dirt farm until her wealthy grandmother whisks her off to a life of upward mobility by way of marriage. After turning down one proposal, Sybylla finds herself torn between her unexpected feelings for childhood chum Harry (Sam Neill) and her dreams of experiencing the world on her own terms. Judy Davis imbues the free-spirit of Sybylla with passionate rebellion that is truly a star-making performance (she was the hit of Cannes when the film competed for the Palm D’Or). Sam Neill works both sides of the fence as a slick ladies man and a sensitive suitor. And although the non-traditional ending might break a few hearts, it’s the simple moments – like a playful pillowfight through the countryside – that make this tragic romance even more memorable. THE FEATURES: Blue Underground never does anything halfway – although the fact that they’ve released a late 70’s Australian period piece is more than a little shocking. Instead of laboring over cult horror or science-fiction, they’ve tacked on extras like a commentary and two 9-minute interviews with director Gillian Armstrong and producer Margaret Fink. A 4-minute history of the life of Miles Franklin makes connections between the author and her literary creations. Red carpet footage from the Cannes premiere, trailers, pics and posters complete the two-disc set, along with a printable study guide ostensibly for classroom use. A Blue Underground disc used for public education? I can see it now: next year’s school play will be a full-on theatrical production of Salon Kitty! POOH’S HEFFALUMP MOVIE: Somehow or other the Pooh franchise has managed to keep its dignity through the years, maintaining the same innocent “Once upon a time...” charm that sprung from the books of ?. Even the introduction of a new character to chum along with Tigger, Roo and the crew (usually the first sign of creative desperation) results in a whimsically enjoyable adventure that’s probably the best thing released for the pre-school set this year. The Heffalumps are unseen feared creatures living deep an M. Knight Shymalyan forest. But when Roo sets out to capture one, he finds a new friend where he least expects it. The message is simple and sweet (everyone’s different but we’re all the same, yada yada yada), Carly Simon’s songs aren’t too sappy, and the voice-work is top notch. Don’t be embarrassed if you want to watch this one as much as the kids do. Extras include games and sing-a-longs inspired by the movie.