Heavenly Creatures (1994)

Two girls have an intense fantasy life; their parents, concerned the fantasy is too intense, separate them, and the girls take revenge.

Director:

Peter Jackson

Writers:

Fran Walsh (screenplay), Peter Jackson (screenplay)

Stars:

Melanie Lynskey, Kate Winslet, Sarah Peirse

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 17 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Melanie Lynskey	...	Pauline Parker
Kate Winslet	...	Juliet Hulme
Sarah Peirse	...	Honora Parker Rieper
Diana Kent	...	Hilda Hulme
Clive Merrison	...	Dr. Henry Hulme
Simon O'Connor	...	Herbert Rieper
Jed Brophy	...	John / Nicholas
Peter Elliott	...	Bill Perry
Gilbert Goldie	...	Dr. Bennett
Geoffrey Heath	...	Rev. Norris
Kirsti Ferry	...	Wendy
Ben Skjellerup	...	Jonathan Hulme
Darien Takle	...	Miss Stewart
Elizabeth Moody	...	Miss Waller
Liz Mullane	...	Mrs. Collins

Storyline

Based on the true story of Juliet Hulme and Pauline Parker, two close friends who share a love of fantasy and literature, who conspire to kill Pauline's mother when she tries to end the girls' intense and obsessive relationship.

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Plot Keywords:

friend | friendship | fantasy life | 1950s | writing | 

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Taglines:

From a secret world no one could see...came a crime no one could believe.

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for a chilling murder and some sexuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

New Zealand Germany

Language:

English French

Release Date:

14 October 1994 (New Zealand)

Also Known As:

Heavenly Creatures: The Uncut Version

Filming Locations:

Canterbury, New Zealand

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$3,049,135 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

WingNut Films, New Zealand Film Commission, Fontana Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min 108 min (uncut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Since the Parker-Hulme murder had been an infamous crime that was strongly sensationalized in New Zealand history Jackson decided rather than do a film that would be a historical look back at the crime to instead create a drama about Parker and Hulme's intense friendship. In addition to reading Pauline Parker's diary Jackson and company undertook a nation wide search for anyone who had known the girls and interviewed them to get a closer look at their life.

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Goofs

When John goes to Pauline's bedroom in the middle of the night, the camera's shadow can be seen to the left of his.

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Quotes

[first lines]
[Director Peter Jackson opens with the scene that should, logically, end the film: that is, the moments immediately following the murder. The girls Juliet and Pauline run screaming up the hill-path to the tea-house, sobbing and covered in blood. The scene is intercut with b&w visions of the two running across a ship deck to meet Dr. and Mrs. Hulme, whom they both refer to as their mother, as the first three exclamations of "Mummy!" demonstrate]
Juliet Hulme: Mummy!
Pauline Parker: Mummy!
Juliet Hulme: Mummmmy!
[...]

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Crazy Credits

Special thanks to the brave Borovnian extras.

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Connections

Features Jamaica Run (1953)

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Soundtracks

"How Much Is That Doggie in the Window"
Written by Bob Merrill (as Merrill)
By Permission of Golden Bell Songs/J. Albert & Sons

User Reviews

Heavenly

Heavenly Creatures is a stunning film, surprisingly coming from the gore-maestro Peter Jackson. It follows two girls, Juliet Hulme and Pauline Rieper, who start talking to each other in a P.E. lesson. Over the days their friendship progresses, until they become good friends, and spend time with each other discussing actors, listening to records, and playing dress-up. The acting from Winslet and Lynesky is absolutely terrific from the beginning, Lynesky playing a moody young girl, and Winslet playing the happy, inventive young lady, who is a dab hand a clay modelling and painting. As the film continues, Juliet and Pauline's friendship becomes more and more stronger, as they begin to spend practically every minute of every day with each other. Sarah Peirse give a fine performance as Hilda Hulme, Pauline's mother, who by this time in the movie has become more than a little concerned about the bonding of the two girls. The ending is unforgettable. It is brutal and shocking, however the minutes leading up to the end are beautiful, complete with a spine-tingling, haunting choir music soundtrack. This movie is a beautiful, moving experience, which should leave you tearful by the end.