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Friday
June 15, 2007
Vol 35 Issue 24

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Friday, Sep 05, 2008

After 13 years, 'Priscilla' still shines

After 13 years, 'Priscilla' still shines
By Gary M. Kramer - SGN Contributor "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," the hilarious gay film about a trio of drag queens in the Outback, has just been released on DVD in an "Extra Frills Edition." Fans of this musical comedy road movie - shot, a credit reveals, in "Dragarama" and nicknamed "Florence of Arabia" - will want to get a copy for their home video library. The special features include a 30-minute documentary about the "making of" that discusses the Oscar-winning costumes (bought with one of the costume directors' mother's K-mart discount) and casting actor Terence Stamp, whose personal boundaries were pushed playing an aging "transsexual drag queen." However, while there is a commentary track by writer/director Stephan Elliott, blooper reels, deleted scenes, a photo gallery and trailers, the special features may leave fans wanting even more. At least a section entitled "Tidbits from the Set" provides some insights on the special sequins used to design a silver frock and Elliott talking about his fondness for movie musicals. But these dozen or so snippets are all too brief, and sadly, actor Hugo Weaving is not interviewed. Thankfully, Stamp discusses going out in drag for a night with his co-stars and taking inspiration from Dame Edna, giving some context to how he came to give such an accomplished performance. Perhaps the most revealing aspects of the film are the extraordinary costumes - a chandelier outfit in particular - which are on display in the DVD's photo gallery. Elliott describes the extensive costume changes while filming the movie's big production number in the "making of" documentary, explaining how it took 90 minutes to dress each actor and that all three costume changes took place (and the scene was shot) in one day during the 22-day shoot. Such is the commitment the cast and crew had to making what was essentially a low-budget film that became an international film phenomenon. But if the special features are somewhat lacking, the film itself still holds up. Opening with Mitzi Del Bra (Weaving) lip-synching to "I've Never Been to Me," this story about three friends coming to terms with their lives and identities rings true. As they take a bus across the desert to perform in Alice Springs, Mitzi and his friends Bernadette Bassenger (Stamp) and Felicia Jollygoodfellow (Guy Pearce) tease and take care of each other as they encounter character-building episodes, often involving homophobia, but also about finding love in unexpected places. "Priscilla" benefits from Elliot's sharp ear for dialogue and his ability to write some achingly funny one-liners. The best zinger in the film is a toss-up between Bernadette's snarky comment to a woman she meets in a tough bar and a dog owner's discussion of his pet's unusual name. The film is also a showcase for a trio of outstanding performances. Weaving, Stamp and Pearce - all of whom had star-making turns here - are masters at displaying priceless facial expressions that range from contempt to dismay in the same moment. They are also great at slinging insults at each other and keeping the tensions ping-ponging back and forth in any given situation. When the men are stranded in the middle of nowhere - always a necessary sequence in a road movie - and attitudes come out with a vengeance, "Priscilla" is especially funny. Even the musical numbers used throughout the film are fantastic. Elliott has crafted a magnificent soundtrack including "Finally," "I Will Survive" and ABBA's "Mamma Mia," among others, for the actors to perform elaborate dance numbers to on stage or on sand. The filmmaker's passion for songs is discussed in the documentary, but it comes across clearly from the film alone. And the "Extra Frills Edition" reveals who is performing Vanessa Williams' "Save the Best for Last" over the end credits. (Hint: It's not one of the cast members.) If the film's message about acceptance is a bit obvious, it is certainly told with wit and wisdom and more than a little pride. Yet there is a poignancy in "Priscilla" that deepens with each viewing as the characters become like old friends. This is a film that can be watched again and again because it works on so many levels. A hit when it was released theatrically, "Priscilla" only seems to improve over time: It is truly a classic gay film. Alas, what may have improved the "Extra Frills Edition" would have been a segment on how to dress (or dance) like a drag queen. That kind of interactive feature would have made a great DVD even more fabulous. And "Priscilla" is nothing if not fabulous.

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