Lilian's Story

Lilian's Story is an adaptation of a novel by Kate Grenville based on the real life of Bea Miles (here renamed Lilian Singer) was locked up in a mental institution for forty years by her martinet of a twisted father and then released into her family's care whereafter she wandered the streets of Sydney reciting Shakespeare.  Whilst it may have worked well as a literary conceit or a stage play in the naturalistic setting it is given here it seems unduly contrived, perhaps because Polish-born director Domaradzki, who has not made a film since, does not manage to capture much in the way of Antipodean authenticity.

Switching between contemporary events in which Lilian is played by Ruth Cracknell and her memories, in which she is played by Toni Collette (who won an AFI for her efforts), the film is more effective when depicting earlier events although in both time zones, Barry Otto, who plays Lilian’s father in one and her brother in the other is typically unconvincing and annoying with his charc teristic twitches and tics.

Lensed by noted Polish cinematographer, Slawomir Idziak, who did Kieslowski's Three Colours: Blue and The Double Life of Veronique amongst many other films this looks good and in its day was regularly compared to Scott Hicks' Oscar-winning Shine (1996). If you liked that film then this may convince but if not whilst commending the tackling of a less-than-alluring subject you’re likely to find it sentimental and self-consciously artistic.

DVD Extras: None

Available from: Umbrella Entertainment

 

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