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Director: Stephan Elliott

Release Date: 10 August 1994

Tagline: Finally, a comedy that will change the way you think, the way you feel, and most importantly… the way you dress.

Main Cast:

Terence Stamp … Ralph / Bernadette Bassenger
Hugo Weaving … Anthony ‘Tick’ Belrose / Mitzi Del Bra
Guy Pearce … Adam Whitely / Felicia Jollygoodfellow

On the surface, this film may give the impression that it is little more than a feel good comedy with great music and flamboyant costumes. It may also lead you to think that it is a film for the gay community only. Neither is anywhere near the truth.

It is, in fact, utterly hilarious and very poignant.

The performances are really what makes this film unmissable. Terence Stamp is superb as the dignified Bernadette. Hugo Weaving brings warmth to his role as a homosexual father who worries what his son will think about him, and Guy Pearce is perfect as the seemingly tough skinned and outrageous Adam. Together, all three actors are the perfect blend.

Terence Stamp won/was nominated for numerous awards for his portrayal as Bernadette, and Lizzy Gardiner and Tim Chappel won the 1995 Academy Award for best costume design. And rightly so!

There is a lesson for all of us that, underneath it all, we are all the same, no matter how different we may appear to be. I hope that people will watch this film and think twice before judging others and treating those whose lifestyle differs from theirs with courtesy and respect.

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