Looking for Alibrandi (film): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:57, 1 June 2007

Latest revision as of 07:09, 6 August 2025

(410 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)

Line 1:

{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}

: ''This article is about the film. See [[Looking For Alibrandi (novel)]] for the book.''

{{Infobox Filmfilm

| name = Looking for Alibrandi

{{Infobox Film

| name image = Looking For AlibrandiFile:Looking_for_Alibrandi_DVD_cover_(low_res).jpg

| imagecaption = DVD = Looking_For_Alibrandi_Film.jpgcover

| caption = Sometimes what you’re looking for is closer than you think...

| director = [[Kate Woods]]

| producer = [[Robyn Kershaw]]

| writer = [[Melina Marchetta]]

| based_on = {{Based on|''[[Looking for Alibrandi (novel)|Looking for Alibrandi]]''|Melina Marchetta}}

| starring = [[Pia Miranda]],<br />[[Kick Gurry]],<br />[[Anthony LaPaglia]],<br />[[Greta Scacchi]],<br />[[ElanaElena Cotta]]

| music = [[Silverchair]],<br />[[Killing Heidi]]<br />[[Lo-Tel]]

| cinematography = [[Toby Oliver]]

| editing = [[Martin Connor]]

| runtime = 103 minminutes

| country = [[Australia]]

| studio = [[Beyond International|Beyond Films]]<br />[[Showtime Movie Channels|Showtime]]<br />[[Australian Film Finance Corporation]]<br />[[New South Wales Film and Television Office]]

| language = [[English language|English]]/[[Italian language|Italian]]

| distributor = [[Beyond International|Beyond Distribution]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/t/looking-for-alibrandi-2000/13219/ | title=Looking for Alibrandi (2000) - the Screen Guide - Screen Australia }}</ref>

| imdb_id = 0217629

| released = {{Film date|2000|05|04|df=yes}}

| language = [[English<br language|English]]/[[Italian language|>Italian]]

| budget = [[Australian dollar|$]]4.5 million<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wwwmcc.murdoch.edu.au/ReadingRoom/film/dbase/2000/Alibrandi.html|title=Looking for Alibrandi|last=Fry|first=Catherine|publisher=[[Murdoch University]]|accessdate=24 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010723175502/http://wwwmcc.murdoch.edu.au/ReadingRoom/film/dbase/2000/Alibrandi.html|archive-date=23 July 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref>

| gross = $8.3 million

| director = [[Kate Woods]]

}}

'''''Looking Forfor Alibrandi''''' is ana internationally2000 acclaimedAustralian novel[[coming-of-age story|coming-of-age]]<ref>{{cite web | last=Speed | first=Lesley | title=Looking For Alibrandi at 30: "No matter how far you run": Looking for Alibrandi and featurecoming of age in Italo-Australian cinema and girlhood | website=Screening the past |url=http://www.screeningthepast.com/issue-19-first-release/no-matter-how-far-you-run-looking-for-alibrandi%C2%A0and-coming-of-age-in-italo-australian-cinema-and-girlhood/| access-date=11 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Marsh | first=Walter | title=Looking For Alibrandi at 30: 'There's a white-hot shame about sticking out' | website=[[Guardian Australia]] | date=7 July 2022 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/jul/07/looking-for-alibrandi-at-30-theres-a-white-hot-shame-about-sticking-out| access-date=11 April 2023}}</ref> film, directed by [[Kate Woods]] and written by [[Melina Marchetta]] and(which publishedshe inadapted Octoberfrom her 1992 [[1992Looking for Alibrandi (novel)|novel of the same name]]). The novel and film is set in the1990s [[1990Sydney]]s, starring[[New South Wales]], and features a cast of Australian talentactors, including [[Pia Miranda]] as Josephine Alibrandi, the film's main character,; [[Anthony LaPaglia]] as her father, Michael Andretti, who left her and her mother before her birth,; and [[Kick Gurry]] as Josie’sJosie's love interest, Jacob Coote. The film won the [[AACTA Awards|Australian Film Institute Award]] for [[AACTA Award for Best Film|Best Film]] in 2000.

==Plot==

==Critical acclaim==

Josephine (nicknamed "Josie") Alibrandi ([[Pia Miranda]]) is an ambitious and outspoken 17-year-old [[Italian Australians|Italian-Australian]] teenager who lives in [[Glebe, New South Wales|Glebe]], an inner-western suburb in [[Sydney]], and is in her final year of high school. Josie is a scholarship student (also vice-captain) at the prestigious [[Catholic Education in Australia|Catholic girls school]] St Martha’s (which is located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney), where she is completing her [[Higher School Certificate (New South Wales)|HSC]]. Most of the students are [[Anglo-Celtic Australians|Anglo-Australian]] and from elite socio-economic backgrounds, and she experiences [[xenophobia]] and [[discrimination]] due to her [[Italian people|Italian]] and working-class background (and also due to growing up in a [[single parent|single-parent]] household). Josie attends St. Martha’s with her two best friends, Sera (Leanne Carlow) and Anna (Diane Viduka). She is friends with John Barton ([[Matthew Newton]]), who attends St Anthony’s College, the [[Sister school|brother school]] of St Martha’s. She has [[Infatuation|romantic feelings]] for him, but has not explicitly disclosed them. He is the son of an influential politician, and feels pressure to follow in his father’s footsteps. Josie meets Jacob Coote ([[Kick Gurry]]), a rebellious and charismatic public school student, at an inter school debate. They dance together at Josie’s Year 12 [[prom|formal]], and even go on a date, but their personalities clash and they mutually decide to not pursue things further.

The film, while not well-known in markets such as the [[USA]] or [[UK]], has received critical acclaim for its insights into both the second-generation-migrant experience and the universal human condition.

Josie’s mother, Christina Alibrandi ([[Greta Scacchi]]), gave birth to Josie [[legitimacy (family law)|out of wedlock]] when she was 17. Christina was disowned by her father, Francesco Alibrandi, and banished from the family home until his death. Josie has a complicated relationship with her grandmother/nonna, Katia Alibrandi ([[Elena Cotta]]), and they frequently argue. Christina never told Josie’s father, Michael Andretti ([[Anthony LaPaglia]]), that she had his baby. He moved to [[Adelaide]] to study law, and has since been working as a [[lawyer]] there. During Josie’s final year of high school, he visits Sydney temporarily for work and finds out about his child. Josie is initially uninterested in pursuing a father/daughter relationship with Michael, due to his absence for most of her life.

"Looking For Alibrandi is an assured first film from tv director [[Kate Woods]], giving its multicultural terrain the true respect and depth it deserves." [http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/review/film/s130454.htm]

One day, Josie arrives at school and it is revealed that John Barton has [[suicide|taken his own life]]. Josie is devastated and struggles to cope with the loss. She seeks comfort in Jacob, and they begin a romantic relationship. Josie gets into a physical altercation with Carly ([[Leeanna Walsman]]) at school, and after Carly’s father threatens to sue, she asks Michael for his help. They bond as father and daughter and start spending time together. Michael decides to move back to Sydney for a more long-term basis.

"This new Aussie film is made to appeal directly to young teenage girls, and in that demographic this is a 4-star effort. The characters are rich and engaging, the storylines thought-provoking yet nice enough to be generally appealing. The humour is a little off the wall but is good, while the drama really works effectively."

[http://www.darkhorizons.com/reviews/ali-n.php]

Katia reveals a family secret; throughout their marriage, Francesco was abusive and neglectful towards her. She then had an affair with an Anglo-Australian man, Marcus Sandford, and he is the biological father of Christina. Francesco was aware that Christina was not his biological daughter because he is [[infertility|infertile]], and this is one of the reasons why he resented her so much. Katia revealing this secret helps improve her relationship with Christina and Josie, and they subsequently grow closer as a family.

==Plot==

==Cast==

The film "Looking for Alibrandi" begins light-heartedly, and the viewer gets a very quick understanding of Josie's character through her interactions with her friends and family. As the film progresses, the glamour that is initially associated with Josie begins to fade as we watch her struggle to cope with her final year of school (particularly the racist attitude of one girl in particular, Carly Bishop ([[Leeanna Walsman]]), the suicide of her sweetheart, John Barton ([[Matthew Newton]]), and meeting with Michael Andretti, her father, of whom has only just found out about her existence upon returning to Sydney for work. Plus, of course, there is the never ending conflict between her and her grandmother, Katia Alibrandi ([[Elena Cotta]]).

* [[Greta Scacchi]] as Christina Alibrandi

* [[Anthony LaPaglia]] as Michael Andretti

* [[Elena Cotta]] as Katia Alibrandi

* [[Kerry Walker]] as Sister Louise, Nun

* [[Pia Miranda]] as Josephine Alibrandi"Josie" (main character)Alibrandi

* [[Kick Gurry]] as Jacob Coote

* [[Matthew Newton]] as John Barton

* Leanne Carlow as Sera Conti

* Diane Viduka as Anna Selicic

* [[Leeanna Walsman]] as Carly Bishop

* Michael Gallina as Robert

* Rosa DiMarte as Patrizia

* [[Geoff Morrell (actor)|Geoff Morrell]] as Mr. Barton

* [[Ned Manning]] as Mr. Coote

==Production==

However, these complications are seemingly resolved quickly, in keeping with Josie's brusque and forthright outlook on life. For example, in response to Carly's continuous snide remarks, she breaks her tormentor's nose with a science textbook. It is this summary act that brings her father back into her life.

The world premiere of the play ''Looking for Alibrandi'', based on the novel, was created and performed by the [[PACT Youth Theatre]] in 1995.<ref name=ar2020>{{cite web | title=PACT Centre for Emerging Artists facing an uncertain future | website=Australian Arts Review | date=25 August 2020 | url=https://artsreview.com.au/pact-centre-for-emerging-artists-facing-an-uncertain-future/ | access-date=10 May 2022}}</ref> It sold out for three seasons, leading to the making of a film adaptation.<ref name=smh2014>{{cite web | last=Blake | first=Elissa | title=PACT Centre for Emerging Artists celebrates 50 years | website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] | date=14 October 2014 | url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/theatre/pact-centre-for-emerging-artists-celebrates-50-years-20141014-115npv.html | access-date=10 May 2022}}</ref>

The film was produced by [[Robyn Kershaw]].<ref name=afi/>

Another complication - the suicide of her unrequited sweetheart - tests her resilience. Despite struggling with her grief, she meets a new friend, Jacob Coote, the quintessential 'bad boy' who soon shows himself to be sincere and loving on the inside.

The entire film was filmed in [[Sydney]], including such locations as [[Glebe, New South Wales|Glebe]] (Alibrandi's house), [[Bondi Beach]], [[Central railway station, Sydney|Sydney Central Station]] on Eddy Avenue, the Concert Hall Northern Foyer, and entrance of [[Sydney Opera House]] (the Have your Say Day scene), [[George Street, Sydney|George Street]]/[[Anzac Bridge]] (the scene where Jacob Coote sent Josephine Alibrandi home with his motorcycle), [[the Scots College]] and [[Kincoppal School]] were also used throughout the film, the main quadrangle of [[University of Sydney]] (the John Barton and Josephine Alibrandi scene), [[Village Cinemas|Village Cinema]] (Jacob and Josie's date) and [[Oporto (restaurant)|Oporto]] (where Josie works part-time).{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

The most significant complication and challenge for Josie, though, is her rocky relationship with her erstwhile father, Michael Andretti. When they get to know each other, and recognise themselves in each other, their rift heals, and she can confide in him.

==Critical acclaim==

But, just as Josie starts to get her life under control, it all spirals back out again. Her boyfriend ditches her. Her father is forced to move away again. She sits her [[Higher School Certificate]]. And she discovers the horrible secret about her family's past. By the way, Jane SMELLS

The film, while not well- known in international markets such as the [[USA]] or [[UK]], has received critical acclaim for its insights into both the second-generation-migrant experience and the universal human condition.

''Looking for Alibrandi'' was [[Kate Woods]]' directorial debut in film; Woods was acclaimed for "giving [the film's] multicultural terrain the true respect and depth it deserves."<ref name=ABC>{{cite news | url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/review/film/s130454.htm | title=Looking for Alibrandi | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] | accessdate=25 April 2010 }} {{rating|3|5}}</ref>

The "Alibrandi Curse", as her grandmother puts it, has struck again.

==CastAwards==

''Looking for Alibrandi'' won five awards at the 2000 AFI Awards:<ref name=afi>{{cite web|url=http://www.aacta.org/winners-nominees/2000-2010/2000.aspx|title=2000 Winners & Nominees|work=[[Australian Film Institute Awards|AFI Awards]]|accessdate=25 November 2016}}</ref>

*[[Pia Miranda]] as Josephine Alibrandi (main character)

*[[Greta Scacchi]] as Christina Alibrandi

*Best Film&ndash;presented to producer [[Robyn Kershaw]]

*[[Anthony LaPaglia]] as Michael Andretti

*Best Lead Actress&ndash;[[Pia Miranda]]

*[[Elena Cotta]] as Katia Alibrandi

*Best Supporting Actress&ndash;[[Greta Scacchi]]

*[[Kick Gurry]] as Jacob Coote

*Best Adapted Screenplay&ndash;[[Melina Marchetta]] (adapted from her [[Looking for Alibrandi (novel)|own novel]])

*[[Matthew Newton]] as John Barton

*Best Film Editing&ndash;Martin Connor

*[[Leeanna Walsman]] as Carly Bishop

*[[Kerry Walker]] as Sister Louise, the strict [[nun]] who presides over the [[Roman Catholic]] [[College]] Josie attends

==Box office==

*[[Leanne Carlow]] as Sera Conti, Josie's crazy, outgoing, happy-go-lucky friend

''Looking for Alibrandi'' grossed approximately $8,300,000 at the box office in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 100 Feature Films of All Time |url=https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/fact-finders/cinema/australian-films/feature-film-releases/top-australian-films |website=Screen Australia |access-date=February 13, 2024}}</ref>

*[[Diane Viduka]] as Anna Selicic, Josie's other friend, and the exact opposite of Sera

==See also==

* [[Cinema of Australia]]

* [[List of films set in Sydney|Sydney in film]]

==References==

{{reflist}}

==External links==

*{{imdbIMDb title|id=0217629|title=Looking for Alibrandi}}

*[https://www.ozmovies.com.au/movie/looking-for-alibrandi Looking for Alibrandi] at Oz Movies

*[http://colsearch.nfsa.afc.gov.au/nfsa/search/display/display.w3p;adv=yes;group=;groupequals=;holdingType=;page=0;parentid=;query=Number%3A430660;querytype=;rec=0;resCount=10 Looking for Alibrandi at the National Film and Sound Archive]

{{Melina Marchetta}}

{{AACTA Award Best Film}}

[[Category: 2000 films]]

[[Category:2000s Australiancoming-of-age drama films]]

[[Category:Australian Filmscoming-of-age baseddrama on fiction booksfilms]]

[[Category:Films Coming-of-agebased filmson Australian novels]]

[[Category:Films setshot in AustraliaSydney]]

[[Category:Films set in Sydney]]

[[Category:Italian-Australian culture]]

[[Category:Films scored by Alan John]]

[[Category:2000 directorial debut films]]

[[Category:2000 drama films]]

[[Category:2000s English-language films]]

[[Category:Best Film AACTA Award winners]]