Happy 56th Birthday, Stephen Elliott! Born today in 1964, this Australian screenwriter and film director s one of Australia’s most colourful and eccentric filmmakers.
Elliott began his career as an assistant director working in the boom of the Australian film industry of the 1980s.
Prior to this, Elliott had been shooting amateur films since childhood and spent years working through an array of film industry jobs (some quite lowly).
This was until Australian film producer, occasional actress, Sydney socialite and wine heiress Rebel Penfold-Russell’s company, Latent Image, produced Elliott's shorts.
For a time during 1982–83, Elliott collaborated with fictional character Captain Troy Tempest (voiced by Canadian actor Don Mason) from the British children's science-fiction television series Stingray (1964–1965).
Both presented the 1980 American musical comedy/action film 'The Blues Brothers' every Friday night for over a year. This took place at the heritage listed Cremorne Orpheum theatre.
Dressed as 'Joliet' Jake and Elwood Blues, Elliott and Troy appeared on television several times, along with their Bluesmobile.
Some years later, Elliott was hailed as the film industry’s prodigal son with his debut directorial feature. This was the 1993 Australian black comedy/crime film 'Frauds'.
Starring Phil Collins and Hugo Weaving, the film was later was selected into competition at the 46th Cannes Film Festival in May of that same year.
At just twenty-eight years old, Elliott was one of the youngest filmmakers ever to be represented in the event’s most prestigious section generally featuring the cinema’s great masters.
However, the Palme d'Or was co-won by Chinese film director and a leading figure of the fifth generation of Chinese cinema Chen Kaige's epic 1993 Chinese drama/melodrama 'Ba wang bie ji' ('Farewell My Concubine').
The award was also co-won by New Zealand screenwriter, producer, and director Jane Campion’s 1993 New Zealand drama/melodrama 'The Piano'.
Nonetheless, 'Frauds' did announce the arrival of an original and inventive, if eccentric, talent with a strong personal stamp.
However, it would have sat much more comfortably in the festival’s Un Certain Regard side-bar, which showcases stylistically individual pictures, often of younger filmmakers without competitive pressures.
Disillusioned, Elliott swore he would be back with a vengeance – and he certainly delivered on that promise.
Meanwhile, he had learned some valuable lessons about doing the Cannes Film Festival outrageously.
One year later, Elliott arrived with the film of which he is internationally best known for writing and directing. This was the 1994 Australian comedy-drama/road film 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'.
When drag queen Anthony 'Tick' "Mitzi" Belrose (Hugo Weaving) agrees to take his act on the road, he invites fellow cross-dresser Adam "Felicia" Whitely (Guy Pearce) and transsexual Ralph "Bernadette" Waite (Terence Stamp) to come along.
In their lavender tour bus, named Priscilla, the three performers travel across the Australian desert performing for enthusiastic crowds and homophobic locals. For the "girls", the problem is simply getting to Alice Springs intact.
For three showgirls, it was the destination dream of a lifetime: a four-week cabaret engagement. However, when the other two performers learn the truth about why Anthony took the job, it threatens their act and also their friendship.
Resplendent in outrageously flamboyant ballgowns, 'Priscilla' looks down over the vast red Australian desert landscape, showing a surprisingly tender and thoughtful road film with some outstanding performances and and infectious soundtrack.
Penfold-Russell also appears in the film. She is credited as Logowoman.
With plus live Sydney drag queens in tow, 'Priscilla' was still in the official selection. But this time, it remiered at the hip midnight screening. The 'girls’ blitzed the American Pavilion where they did a teaser show before the screening.
This time, Elliott certainly didn’t go unnoticed. And this time, in his corner, he had one of the most savvy producers around, being Australian film producer and music producer, British import and Cannes industry veteran Al Clark.
The following year, 'Priscilla' won an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. This occurred at the 67th Academy Awards in later March 1995.
One month later, 'Priscilla' won two BAFTA Awards for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup/Hair. This occurred at the 48th British Academy Film Awards.
Later that same year, 'Priscilla' received two AACTA awards. This was for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.
This occurred at the 37th Australian Film Institute Awards. Because of this, 'Priscilla' eventually waged a brilliant international campaign.
The film, publicity generated by Gardiner’s dress, was made of gold Amex® credit cards. It was this shimmering garment that continued the film’s limelight circulation around the world.
In a strong year, 'Priscilla' fought out AFI award honours with Australian film director and writer P. J. Hogan’s 1994 Australian comedy-drama/romance film 'Muriel’s Wedding'...of which also featured songs by ABBA.
Afterwards, Elliott was thus catapulted onto international filmmakers’ hot lists.
He loved the ride – and the Cannes Film Festival revenge – but for him from then on the most daunting challenge has been following up this level of success with another critical and commercial hit.
In 2004, Elliott was unfortunately involved in a skiing accident, which saw him hospitalised for several months. He credits the accident with rediscovering his sense of humour.
This may go part way to explaining why, in 2007, Elliott worked with Iranian-American songwriter, recording artist and philanthropist Fred Nassiri to create one of the most expensive music videos of all time.
Shot in over fifteen countries, with seven directors, the song "Love Sees No Colour" aspires to spread a message of peace and love.
Elliott's other writing credits include adapting the script from his 1994 hit film for the stage play with the 2007 musical "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert".
Using well-known pop songs as its score, the production premiered at Sydney's Lyric Theatre in Star City to excellent reviews.
According to Elliott's personal life, he eventually came out as gay during his presentation at the 1st AACTA Awards in Sydney in late January 2012.
Elliott has been in a relationship with his long-term partner, Wil Bevolley, since the late 1980s. However, he had married her earlier during a civil partnership ceremony in London, England, United Kingdom in 2008.
Elliott has been active from 1992–present.
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