NFSA lead curator Tara Marynowsky with costumes and props from Crocodile Dundee (1986). Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
“That’s not a knife …”
There’s hardly an Aussie who doesn’t know the famous line, whether from watching the blockbuster Crocodile Dundee itself or general pop culture exposure.
The blade itself – an impressive bowie knife created by film armourer John Bowring – is as central to the scene as Paul Hogan’s depiction of the legendary bushie.
The silver screen is littered with such venerated items. They become more than props and costumes, taking on illustrious pop culture status – and a collection of them is currently on display at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA).
It’s the last days of the Australians & Hollywood exhibition, where iconic set items, products of the creative process and audiovisual material looping over 70 screens come together to celebrate the creativity behind our most beloved films.
According to NFSA lead curator Tara Marynowsky, aside from Dundee’s knife, gems on display include a T-shirt from BMX Bandits (1983).
“As an object, it’s so retro and cool in and of itself, and it’s so symbolic of the 80s,” she says. “It’s from one of Nicole Kidman’s earliest movies. She’s such a trailblazer and has created such an amazing pathway for so many Aussies to break into the Hollywood scene.”
Among the many costumes from films such as Chopper (2000) and The Sapphires (2012), visitors will also see the green dress from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994).
“They’re in the middle of the desert and here’s Hugo Weaving dancing in this amazing green dress. It’s such a visually stunning scene,” Tara says.
“We’re also showing the lacy number that Nicole Kidman wears in the scene from Moulin Rouge (2001) in the elephant room, when she lures in Ewan McGregor’s character.”
But perhaps more exciting for the true film buff will be the artefacts that showcase the creative process of industry giants, providing insight into the work of some of the country’s most successful cinematographers, producers and costume designers.
“For me, it’s an inspirational exhibition designed to reflect on our incredible industry, a celebration of our creatives, both on screen and behind it. It’s not just about the final production but the artistic and creative process and the wonderful collaborations that contribute to these iconic films,” Tara says.
“People might be surprised to learn how much goes into this preliminary process. For example, we have story and mood boards and visual artworks on display. Baz Luhrmann and (costume designer) Catherine Martin create a comprehensive visual language for each of their productions.
“For Romeo + Juliet they created collages that capture the look and feel of the film. You can see the beginnings of what led to such a hugely successful production.”
Baz and Catherine are “figureheads” for one section of the exhibition, which is roughly arranged into five parts. Others explore director George Miller and his universe, which takes audiences into the 1970s era of Australian filmmaking with a focus on Mad Max (1979), and cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, who collaborated with filmmakers like Blue-Tongue Films and Cate Shortland, who directed Black Widow (2021).
Nicole Kidman takes centre stage in a section dedicated to trailblazing Australian actors, their careers and how they found success in both Australia and the United States.
The final section focuses on First Nations storytelling, honing in on the success of Warwick Thornton who directed Samson and Delilah (2009) and Rachel Perkins, who directed Radiance (1998) starring Deborah Mailman. Perkins also founded documentary and narrative production company Blackfella Films, which produced distinctly Australian content for television, stage and online platforms, with a focus on Indigenous Australian stories.
Content in the exhibition has been refreshed since it first opened, so those who have already visited have reason to return. This includes a spotlight on Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis (2022), which Tara says is not to be missed.
“Australians & Hollywood is a real feast for the eyes, with numerous moving image and sound displays,” Tara says.
“It’s both a deep dive into the creative process and a sneak peek at the ways people work in these fields. I hope people take away creative inspiration and energy from that.”
Australians & Hollywood is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm plus select Friday nights at the National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton. The exhibition closes 28 January 2024. Online tickets cost $14.50 for adults, $11.50 for concession, $7.50 for juniors (five to 17 years), under-fives free, $38.50 for families or $9.50 each for bookings of 10 or more, plus $1.50 booking fee – book here.
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