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Australians In Hollywood 11 November 2004 - 20 February 2005 Art Gallery of South Australia  Everyone
dreams of making it to Hollywood. That glamorous place from where
success in the film industry is measured promises a life of fame and
fortune. Touring from the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, 'Australians
in Hollywood' at The Art Gallery of South Australia celebrates the
achievements of Australians in the American Film Industry. The photographic
portraits, sourced from numerous collections, included all the usual
suspects, Noah Taylor, Nicole Kidman, Geoffrey Rush, Toni Collette,
Baz Luhrman, Mel Gibson, Eric Banner, Cate Blanchett and Heath Ledger.
There is nothing like star quality to attract the audiences. Familiarity with people in the limelight is usually a mediated experience. We see only the snapshots we are permitted to. In 'Australians In Hollywood' the lines of reality and fiction were crossed as the photographers have attempted to reveal the actors as 'themselves', sometimes challenging the fine line between character and costume. The resulting collection of both historic and contemporary photographs proves to be outstanding, much more enticing than your average tabloid coverage. A true starlet Louise Lovely, (must be a stage name ) came to Australia with her mother in 1891. After making it to Hollywood and signing a contract with Universal Pictures in 1914, she returned in 1923 to be one of the first to actively lobby for government subsidy of the Australian film industry, certainly a concept well ahead of her time. Many of today's stars embarked into acting at the same time as support for the Australian film industry became a reality in the 1970's. This funding has undoubtedly served to change the face of Australian film and nourished many a Hollywood career. 'Australians in Hollywood' also recognised the achievements of designers, cinematographers, animators, directors and photographers and wouldn't have been complete without inclusions of Lizzie Gardener's Gold Card dress, Harvie Crumpet, and an actual genuine Oscar or two. The vibrancy and frivolity combined with more than a touch of talent is all part of the charm. Photographer Karin Catt is certainly just as much a star as her subjects. Contemporary portraits of actors such as Miranda Otto, whose profile is set against sumptuous gold wallpaper, Nicole Kidman elegantly suited in black and the larger than life image of Rachel Griffiths situated at the entrance are fabulous. A favourite since his beginnings in 'The Year my Voice Broke' and of course 'Flirting' (the sequel which also featured Nicole Kidman) Catt has captured Noah Taylor in that look of sexy neurotic coolness he has long ago perfected. Two unassuming photographs were perhaps the most incredibly powerful. The first was a black and white image taken on the set of 'The Piano' in 1992. The tiny and earnest Anna Paquin stands with Sam Neil and Jane Campion on the stormy beach that set the dramatic backdrop for the film. In the other Geoffrey Rush is in dialogue with Scott Hicks in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens on the set of 'Shine'. These both indicated the highly collaborative nature of film, whereas the portraits celebrate the individual successes of each subject. Film generates a common experience and nostalgia was certainly running thick and fast. Favourite characters from much loved quirky Australian films and series were in abundance. In an image taken in 1994 by Robert McFarlane, Toni Collette, on set as 'Muriel' walking down the aisle, was on one hand an iconic image and on the other a rather disappointing inclusion considering all of the major film roles she has notched up of late. Another gem included Peter Weir on the set of 'The Cars that Ate Paris'. Glossy by nature, the photographs served to perpetuate ideals of glamour and beauty, keeping up the Hollywood faŤade, while others revealed alliances behind the scenes. 'Australians In Hollywood' played on our obsessions with fame while acknowledging the success and critical acclaim that has been gained by Australians internationally. Four Stars!  |
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