Ladies in Black (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founder | Bruce Beresford (director) |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Comedy-drama film |
Ladies in Black is a 2018 Australian comedy-drama feature directed by Bruce Beresford. Featuring performances by Angourie Rice, Rachael Taylor, Julia Ormond, Ryan Corr, and Shane Jacobson, the movie adapts Madeleine St John's 1993 novel The Women in Black. Set in Sydney during 1959, it centers on employees working at a department store. The film debuted on 20 September 2018, with an $11 million production budget and box office returns totaling $9.6 million.
Plot
During the Christmas season of 1959, Lisa begins working as an assistant at Goode's department store in Sydney. She quickly forms connections with Fay, initially cautious about immigrants; Patty, who desires more attention from her spouse; and Magda, a Slovenian immigrant who introduces Lisa to other European acquaintances. Patty purchases a pink nightdress hoping to catch her husband's eye; however, he misinterprets this gesture and leaves for the holiday period. Magda invites both Lisa and Fay to a New Year's Eve celebration where Fay encounters Rudi, a Hungarian immigrant searching for a partner. Lisa meets Michael, whose parents are also Hungarian immigrants. Over the course of the summer sales, a dress Lisa covets is progressively discounted from 150 to 50 guineas.
Patty reconciles with her husband and soon discovers she is expecting. Lisa achieves honours on her school leaving certificate and applies for a scholarship to Sydney University with her father's support. Rudi purchases an apartment and proposes marriage to Fay. When the dress Lisa desires is removed from display, she initially feels disappointed; Magda then explains it was hidden to allow a further price reduction to 35 guineas, making it affordable for Lisa. She buys the dress and wears it to a party celebrating her academic success. Magda shares plans to open a boutique specializing in high-end fashion and inquires about Lisa’s future aspirations; Lisa reveals ambitions of becoming an actress, poet, or novelist.
Production
The development of Ladies in Black spanned twenty years, with writer-director Bruce Beresford involved throughout. Beresford, who attended university with author Madeleine St John, had long intended to bring her novel to the screen since its publication. The project encountered numerous funding setbacks until co-producer Allanah Zitserman, notable for producing Russian Doll (2001) and founding the Dungog Film Festival, provided vital impetus. Beresford acknowledges Zitserman’s persistent efforts as key to obtaining financing.
In October 2017, casting was announced and principal photography commenced in Sydney, Australia. The exterior scenes representing the fictional "Goode's" department store were shot at the former Mark Foy's building, currently known as the Downing Centre.
Box office
Prior to its release, Ladies in Black was anticipated to achieve "a strong opening weekend followed by sustained interest driven by word-of-mouth and repeat viewings." During its opening weekend in Australia, the film grossed $1,865,134, securing second place behind Johnny English Strikes Again.
Critical reception
Ladies in Black was met with mostly favorable critiques. On Rotten Tomatoes, it maintains an approval score of based on reviews, with an average rating of . The consensus among reviewers emphasizes its timely exploration of immigration and women's empowerment, presented in an engaging manner.
Neil Young from The Hollywood Reporter remarked that the film "subtly yet powerfully highlights the often overlooked benefits of immigration and assimilation," warranting recognition beyond Australian borders. Jake Wilson of The Sydney Morning Herald commended the film for its genuine depiction of the era. Australian commentator David Stratton characterized it as both sophisticated and enjoyable, challenging notions that it might be superficial.
Awards
| Award | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| AACTA Awards (8th) |
Best Film | Sue Milliken | Template:Nom |
| Allanah Zitserman | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Direction | Bruce Beresford | Template:Nom | |
| Best Adapted Screenplay | Template:Nom | ||
| Sue Milliken | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Actress | Julia Ormond | Template:Nom | |
| Angourie Rice | Template:Won | ||
| Best Supporting Actress | Noni Hazlehurst | Template:Nom | |
| Best Cinematography | Peter James | Template:Nom | |
| Best Editing | Mark Warner | Template:Nom | |
| Best Original Music Score | Christopher Gordon | Template:Won | |
| Best Costume Design | Wendy Cork | Template:Won | |
| Best Hair and Makeup | Anna Gray | Template:Won | |
| Beth Halsted | Template:Won | ||
| Jen Lamphee | Template:Won |