Lilian's Story
Directed by Jerzy Domaradzki
Starring Ruth Cracknell, Barry Otto, Toni Collette and John Flaus
Opens May 9, Greater Union cinemas
Reviewed by Margaret Allan
While watching this film, I wondered whether a large proportion of those in psychiatric institutions over the years were in fact victims of childhood abuse, suffering post-traumatic breakdowns. This was the case of the character of Lilian Singer, portrayed first in the novel by Kate Grenville, now in an emotionally harrowing, yet ultimately uplifting, film.
Inspired by the life of eccentric Bea Miles, who roamed the streets of Sydney in the '50s and '60s reciting Shakespeare, Lilian's Story depicts Lilian's release, after 40 years of institutionalisation from the age of 20 for "running wild".
Ruth Cracknell plays the main character ("you can call me Lil") with warmth and skill, and Toni Collette also puts in a good performance as the young Lil, whose experiences are shown in flashbacks throughout the film. Barry Otto portrays both the strict and abusive father, and Lil's brother, John, a tuba-playing Salvation Army member who settles insurance claims by day.
Despite her long period of institutionalisation, Lilian retains her dignity and hope, with a strength of character and optimism that become even more apparent in the final part of the movie, when she and her brother confront the past reality of the abuse suffered at the hands of her father.
Lilian's Story is beautifully filmed by cinematographer Slawomir Idziak, whose past achievements include the Three Colours trilogy (Blue, White and Red) and The Double Life of Veronique.
It is a very good film, and although it isn't ultimately depressing, it is emotionally draining and occasionally quite difficult to watch. Neither the film nor the novel are accurate depictions of Bea Miles' life, yet as a study of a person pushed to the fringes of society, where definitions of "normal" behaviour are quite narrow, it achieves its goal.