Scene @ Clubland Premiere, Palace Como *rockstar Karaoke Launch, Live, Crown * Australian Ballet New Romantics Opening Night, Arts Centre
The Sunday Age
Sunday June 24, 2007
IT'S A sad state of affairs when a future Neighbours star gets more attention than an Academy Award nominee. Yet that appeared to be the case on Monday when Clubland, one of the best films of the year, premiered at Como, Toorak. While Brenda Blethyn - donning an embroidered black dress by local designer "Lena, Laura. . . what was her name again? Oh yes, Leona Edminston" - was warmly greeted by a multitude of adoring (if ageing) fans, it was a cocky Sweeney Young that worked the event like he was some kind of a rock'n'roll superstar, rather than just the latest addition to a soap. "I'm really excited about Neighbours!" gushed Young. Excited about following in Kylie's footsteps? "No - not into making a record." Perhaps excited about the VIP parties, indulging in the Shane Conner (Joe Scully) way of celebrating? "I'll go the 'showbiz' way and say 'no comment'!" Sigrid Thornton, smiling politely as Young reminded her they once shared a stage, spoke eloquently about the future of Australian film. "We live in a time where some still view Australian films as 'culturally cringey'. I think we're in the process of maturation though, especially with globalisation." Asked whether local directors had a tendency to cast international stars for the sake of ratings, Thorton answered cautiously. "I think in the past that's happened. However, with Clubland I can honestly say they cast the best person they possibly could have. She is wonderful." So, we shouldn't play down Aussie talent? "Not at all. I think we can all benefit from globalisation (and) the opportunity to cross-pollinate."
One man benefiting from sharing his talents with the world is DJ Grant Smilie, who fronted fresh-faced to join the likes of Rosemary Sarr, Grace McClure, Christie Malthouse, Craig Delmo and (OMG-remember-him) Jack Jones at the launch of Rockstar Karaoke on Thursday night at Crown's LIVE. "My life is crazy; I've already been on six flights this week alone. I'm off to Europe next week," said Smilie. Where does romance fit in? "My girlfriend is a model. She's currently in Milan, so I'll meet her there." Oh right, the DJ/model thing; how original. "Yeah, it's a bit like that!" laughed Smilie before admitting there is a downside to such a glamorous coupling. "You should see our phone bill!" Bills aside, recording No.1 hits with the likes of Groove Armada can't be too bad? "I'm making music and travelling the world. I'm doing OK." Not doing OK were the "celebs" that performed on the night. Broadie Holland, dressed to the nines in a hooded sweater and ripped jeans, seemed lost between remembering the lyrics and trying to locate a pitch. Luckily the lashings of champagne and Asian-inspired finger food allowed punters a culinary escape from the suburban-idol style karaoke. The cringe factor of Thursday night was easily forgotten among the black-clad cultural elite at the opening of the Australian Ballet's New Romantics on Friday at the Arts Centre. Senior artist Danielle Rowe - who wouldn't look out of place on the catwalk - put an end to the notion that dancers don't like to party as Friday night's festivities kicked off. "We all enjoy a drink - just in moderation." What about the myth that ballerinas eat nothing but raspberry lollies to stay trim? "I've never heard that!" laughed Rowe, "I think weight is the biggest misconception we face. We burn off everything we eat. I hang out with some of my non-ballet friends and they're always on diets, always worrying."And we don't try and steal each other's spotlight."sundayage.scene@gmail.com
© 2007 The Sunday Age