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IMDbPro

My Brilliant Career

  • 1979
  • G
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
4.6K
YOUR RATING
My Brilliant Career (1979)
A young independent woman who lives with her grandmother and aunt in the countryside rebels against being pressured into marriage and chooses to solely focus on having a career as a writer. Nevertheless, two suitors propose to her.
Play trailer2:07
2 Videos
36 Photos
BiographyDramaRomance

A proud young woman in early 20th century Australia must choose between marriage and independence.A proud young woman in early 20th century Australia must choose between marriage and independence.A proud young woman in early 20th century Australia must choose between marriage and independence.

  • Director
    • Gillian Armstrong
  • Writers
    • Eleanor Witcombe
    • Miles Franklin
  • Stars
    • Judy Davis
    • Sam Neill
    • Wendy Hughes
  • See production, box office & company info
  • IMDb RATING
    7.1/10
    4.6K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Gillian Armstrong
    • Writers
      • Eleanor Witcombe
      • Miles Franklin
    • Stars
      • Judy Davis
      • Sam Neill
      • Wendy Hughes
    • 55User reviews
    • 25Critic reviews
    • 77Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 11 wins & 8 nominations total

    Videos2

    Trailer
    Trailer 2:07
    Watch Trailer
    Sneak Previews Season 2 Episode 23
    Video 28:52
    Watch Sneak Previews Season 2 Episode 23

    Photos36

    Judy Davis in My Brilliant Career (1979)
    Sam Neill and Judy Davis in My Brilliant Career (1979)
    Sam Neill and Judy Davis in My Brilliant Career (1979)
    Judy Davis in My Brilliant Career (1979)
    Judy Davis in My Brilliant Career (1979)
    Sam Neill and Judy Davis in My Brilliant Career (1979)
    Sam Neill and Judy Davis in My Brilliant Career (1979)
    Sam Neill and Judy Davis in My Brilliant Career (1979)
    Sam Neill in My Brilliant Career (1979)
    Judy Davis in My Brilliant Career (1979)
    Robert Grubb and Marion Shad in My Brilliant Career (1979)
    Judy Davis in My Brilliant Career (1979)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Judy Davis
    Judy Davis
    • Sybylla Melvyn
    Sam Neill
    Sam Neill
    • Harry Beecham
    Wendy Hughes
    Wendy Hughes
    • Aunt Helen
    Robert Grubb
    Robert Grubb
    • Frank Hawdon
    Max Cullen
    Max Cullen
    • Mr. McSwatt
    Aileen Britton
    • Grandma Bossier
    Peter Whitford
    Peter Whitford
    • Uncle Julius
    Patricia Kennedy
    • Aunt Gussie
    Alan Hopgood
    Alan Hopgood
    • Father
    Julia Blake
    Julia Blake
    • Mother
    David Franklin
    David Franklin
    • Horace
    Marion Shad
    • Gertie
    Arron Wood
    • Stanley
    Sue Davies
    • Aurora
    Gordon Piper
    • Barman
    James Moss
    • Pub Drinker
    Bill Charlton
    • Joe
    Suzanne Roylance
    • Biddy
    • Director
      • Gillian Armstrong
    • Writers
      • Eleanor Witcombe
      • Miles Franklin
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      This film's director, producers, scriptwriter, first billed actor, production designer, costume designer, production supervisor, bookkeeper and accountant were all women.
    • Quotes

      [first lines]

      Sybylla: Possum Gully, Australia. 1897. Dear fellow countrymen, just a few lines to let you know that this story is going to be all about me. So, in answer to many requests, here is the story of my career... here is the story, of my career... my *brilliant* career. I make no apology for being egotistical... because I am!

    • Connections
      Featured in My Brilliant Career: Ciné Regards - Judy Davis (1980)

    User reviews55

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    One of my all-time favorite films
    Judy Davis, as Sybylla Melvin, struggles with the conflicts that we all have between ambition, family, love, and guilt in a most remarkable manner. Sybylla grows to understand that life is a series of trade-offs, and that no one can have it all, and that no one can please everyone. Simple yet universal themes told with charm, wit, and a vulnerability that allows us to get right inside of her character and to understand her --- up to a point that is, a career is vital but I don't believe I'd have the strength to pass up Sam Neill under any circumstances, especially as cute as he is in this movie. In fact, all the acting is great, and the cinematography is breathtaking. Gillian Armstrong has been my idol ever since she made this magnificent film. I give it a 10.
    helpful•29
    3
    • aromatic-2
    • Apr 30, 2000

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 17, 1979 (Australia)
    • Country of origin
      • Australia
    • Official site
      • Criterion
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Meine brillante Karriere
    • Filming locations
      • Camden Park House, Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
    • Production companies
      • Margaret Fink Productions
      • New South Wales Film Corporation
      • Greater Union Organisation (GUO)
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • A$800,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 40 minutes
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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