September 9th: STARSTRUCK (Gillian Anderson, 1982)

A young waitress and her cousin attempt to realize their dreams of rock and roll stardom.

Australian director Gillian Anderson initially desired to work in costume design, but then went to film school and earned notice through some successful shorts. Her debut feature My Brilliant Career (the first in Australia credited to a woman in over 40 years) earned her awards and helped introduce actors Sam Neill and Judy Davis to the world.

Her desire to follow up with a contemporary-set film led to a semi-autobiographical script by Stephen MacLean, who had been developing his musical idea for some years. It combines the well-worn "Let's put on a show" musical plot with a distinctly Australian flavor set around pub life.

The cast is headed by unknowns Jo Kennedy and Ross O'Donovan (discovered via a radio-sponsored open call) as well as local veteran actors. There is also an early appearance from future Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush. Kennedy performed the songs herself, some of which were written by Split Enz frontman Tim Finn.

The film was shot mostly on location in Sydney, New South Wales, and features well-known locations such as the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour View Hotel, and the Seymour Centre.  The production was designed by Brian Thompon, who had worked on the stage and film version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Behind the camera is cinematographer Russell Boyd, known best for his work with fellow Australian filmmaker Peter Weir (Picnic At Hanging Rock, Master And Commander). Despite the modest budget, the film's bold look is was helped by the elaborate, flamboyant costumes designed by Luciana Arrighi (Sense And Sensibility) and Terry Ryan (King Kong) and the creative choreography.

Starstruck was a minor success in Australia, and received positive critical notices in the U.S.,  enough to launch Gillian Anderson into Hollywood filmmaking. It received Australian Film Industry award nominations for it score, costumes, and production design. Anticipating the style and sound of MTV as well as the international success of Australian pop acts (Men At Work, INXS), it is now considered a cult classic.

Running time is approx. 1 hr, 45 min.