By Travis Johnson
Starstruck: Australian Movie Portraits is a new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery that explores the century-plus history of Australian cinema through a series of still photographs that capture some of the most iconic actors and movies the country has ever produced.
The pics are predominantly taken from the National Film and Sound Archive’s collection, and represent both the more famous examples of Australian filmic art, and more intimate and obscure moments that have been brought to light through the curatorial process.
Portrait Gallery Assistant Curator, Penelope Grist observed, “We have discovered the myriad, magical lives of these photographic moments, with material including continuity Polaroids, posters, publicity and behind-the-scenes stills from over a century of filmmaking. Along the way we have made many exciting discoveries, such as a portrait of Daphne Campbell, leading lady of iconic 1946 film The Overlanders, which was actually her wedding portrait. In a real-life cinematic romance, she was married on location in the Northern Territory after falling in love with a pilot who was working on the film.”
NFSA curator Jennifer Coombes praised the collaboration with the NPG, saying, “Starstruck is full of ‘firsts’ for the NFSA , such as this fruitful partnership with the Portrait Gallery. We’re also excited because many of the photos, which have been preserved in our vast collection of publicity shots and behind-the-scenes images, will be available to the public for the very first time.
“Audiences will be able to see rare film posters, stunning 1930s scrapbooks of aspiring actors, and original costumes from iconic titles such as Picnic at Hanging Rock, My Brilliant Career, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and The Dressmaker. If you love movies, you’ll love Starstruck!’
Starstruck runs at the National Portrait Gallery from 10 November 2017 until 4 March 2018, and will then travel around the country. A condensed version of the exhibition, titled Starstruck on Location, will also tour the country; further details will be released towards the end of 2017.
