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Reflecting on 30 years of ‘Muriel’s Wedding’ and the return of Jocelyn Moorhouse
A nostalgic journey back to ‘Muriel’s Wedding’
It’s hard to believe that Jocelyn Moorhouse is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic film Muriel’s Wedding. This Australian classic, directed by her husband and frequent collaborator, P.J. Hogan, has left an indelible mark on the indie film scene. The National Film and Sound Archive in Australia is currently restoring the film, a testament to its enduring legacy. As Moorhouse humorously notes, the need to preserve the footage before it starts corroding is a reminder of the passage of time.
Revisiting weddings with ‘The Fabulous Four’
Moorhouse’s latest project, The Fabulous Four, brings her back to the theme of weddings. This comedy, featuring a stellar cast including Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Megan Mullally, explores the dynamics of old friends reuniting for a wedding. The film centers on Midler’s character, Marilyn, who has unresolved issues with Sarandon’s character, Lou, an uptight surgeon.
A cast of legends
Moorhouse was drawn to the script by Ann Marie Allison and Jenna Milly, which was sent to her by producer Richard B. Lewis. She loved that it focused on older women, describing it as a mix of The Golden Girls and Steel Magnolias. The opportunity to work with such legendary actresses was a dream come true for her.
“I thought it was a great idea, a little bit The Golden Girls, a bit Steel Magnolias,” she notes. “And I figured I could get some legends in it – and I sure did.”
Bette Midler’s unexpected role
Midler’s casting as Marilyn was a bit against type, as Moorhouse initially envisioned her in Sarandon’s role. However, Midler’s vibrant personality and past performances, such as in The Rose, made her a perfect fit for the life-of-the-party character.
“Are you sure? What if I played the doctor?” Midler had asked. But Moorhouse was confident in her choice, and Midler’s performance did not disappoint.
The challenge of keeping a straight face
Working with such a talented and comedic cast presented its own challenges. Moorhouse admits to ruining a few takes due to laughter, particularly with Megan Mullally’s improvisations. Sheryl Lee Ralph also found Mullally’s antics hilarious, leading to many cracked-up moments on set.
The evolution of the film and TV industry
Moorhouse has witnessed significant changes in the industry over the past 30 years. Initially, she believed she would only work in film, but the landscape of television has transformed dramatically. Today, TV offers opportunities for imaginative and cinematic storytelling, sometimes even more so than movies.
“In the last 10 years, TV has become a place where you can do really fabulous, imaginative, cinematic things. Sometimes you get more freedom in television than you do in movies.”
Discovering talent: A knack for casting
Moorhouse has a remarkable eye for talent, having cast Jared Leto in How to Make an American Quilt and Hugo Weaving and Russell Crowe in her debut film, Proof. Her ability to recognize potential in actors early in their careers has been a hallmark of her work.
“I guess I’m looking for someone who’s going to fascinate me. And I’m looking for someone who just clicks in my head. It’s a little bit like falling in love.”
The magic of casting
For Moorhouse, casting is akin to composing music. She seeks the right “instrument” to play each role, creating a harmonious ensemble that brings the story to life. This intuitive approach has led to memorable performances and successful films.
A musical cameo: Michael Bolton in ‘The Fabulous Four’
One of the delightful surprises in The Fabulous Four is the appearance of Michael Bolton. The script called for a mature pop star, and Bolton, with his iconic mullet and love songs, fit the bill perfectly. His presence on set attracted many visitors, eager to see the legendary singer in action.
“He’s been doing a bit of comedy lately. Did he improvise at all? Yeah, a little bit. He was surrounded by these women who were being so sweet to him and encouraging him to.”
Bolton’s performance added a unique charm to the film, proving that he doesn’t have to prove anything.
Final thoughts
Jocelyn Moorhouse’s journey through the film and TV industry is a testament to her talent and adaptability. From the timeless Muriel’s Wedding to the fresh and funny The Fabulous Four, her work continues to captivate audiences. As she navigates the evolving landscape of entertainment, her keen eye for talent and passion for storytelling remain unwavering.
For those interested in exploring more about the films mentioned, check out the trailers and information pages:
And for a musical treat, listen to Michael Bolton’s classics on Spotify:
Moorhouse’s work is a reminder of the power of storytelling and the magic of cinema.
