Looking for Alibrandi

: "This article is about the film. See Looking For Alibrandi (novel) for the book."

Infobox Film
name = Looking For Alibrandi
caption = Sometimes what you’re looking for is closer than you think...
director = Kate Woods
producer = Robyn Kershaw
writer = Melina Marchetta
starring = Pia Miranda
Kick Gurry
Anthony LaPaglia
Greta Scacchi
Elana Cotta
music = Silverchair
Killing Heidi
cinematography = Toby Oliver
editing = Martin Connor
runtime = 103 min
country = Australia
release date = 4 May 2000
language = English/Italian
genre = Drama
imdb_id = 0217629

"Looking For Alibrandi" is an internationally acclaimed novel and feature film, written by Melina Marchetta and published in October 1992. The novel and film is set in the 1990s, starring Australian talent, including Pia Miranda as Josephine Alibrandi, the film's main character, Anthony LaPaglia as her father, Michael Andretti, who left her and her mother before her birth, and Kick Gurry as Josie’s love interest, Jacob Coote.

Plot

The film "Looking for Alibrandi" begins light-heartedly, and the viewer gets a very quick understanding of Josie's character through her interactions with her friends and family. As the film progresses, the glamour that is initially associated with Josie begins to fade as we watch her struggle to cope with her final year of school (especially the racist attitude of one girl in particular, Carly Bishop (Leeanna Walsman), the suicide of her sweetheart, John Barton (Matthew Newton), and meeting with Michael Andretti, her father, of whom has only just found out about her existence upon returning to Sydney for work. Plus, of course, there is the never ending conflict between her and her grandmother, Katia Alibrandi (Elena Cotta).

However, these complications are seemingly resolved quickly, in keeping with Josie's brusque and forthright outlook on life. For example, in response to Carly's continuous snide remarks, she breaks her tormentor's nose with a science textbook. It is this summary act that brings her father back into her life.

Another complication - the suicide of her unrequited sweetheart, John Barton - tests her resilience. Struggling with her grief, she finds comfort to a certain extent within Jacob Coote , the quintessential 'bad boy' on the outside, but sincere and loving on the inside, .

The most significant complication and challenge for Josie, though, is her rocky relationship with her erstwhile father, Michael Andretti. When they get to know each other, and recognise themselves in each other, their rift heals, and she can confide in him.

Critical acclaim

The film, while not well-known in markets such as the USA or UK, has received several critical acclaims for its insights into both the second-generation-migrant experience and the universal human condition.

"Looking For Alibrandi is an assured first film from tv director Kate Woods, giving its multicultural terrain the true respect and depth it deserves." [http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/review/film/s130454.htm]

"This new Aussie film is made to appeal directly to young teenage girls, and in that demographic this is a 4-star effort. The characters are rich and engaging, the storylines thought-provoking yet nice enough to be generally appealing. The humour is a little off the wall but is good, while the drama really works effectively." [http://www.darkhorizons.com/reviews/ali-n.php]

Cast

*Pia Miranda as Josephine Alibrandi (main character)
*Greta Scacchi as Christina Alibrandi
*Anthony LaPaglia as Michael Andretti
*Elena Cotta as Katia Alibrandi
*Kick Gurry as Jacob Coote
*Matthew Newton as John Barton
*Leeanna Walsman as Carly Bishop
*Kerry Walker as Sister Louise, the strict nun who presides over the Roman Catholic College Josie attends
*Leanne Carlow as Sera Conti, Josie's crazy, outgoing, happy-go-lucky friend
*Diane Viduka as Anna Selicic, Josie's other friend, and the exact opposite of Sera.

External links

*imdb title|id=0217629|title=Looking for Alibrandi
* [http://colsearch.nfsa.afc.gov.au/nfsa/search/display/display.w3p;adv=yes;group=;groupequals=;holdingType=;page=0;parentid=;query=Number%3A430660;querytype=;rec=0;resCount=10 Looking for Alibrandi at the National Film and Sound Archive]