Retro Film Review: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)

Californian legislature has recently passed the law banning employee discrimination based on dressing preferences. In other words, employees in Californian business establishments are going to be allowed to cross-dress and thus make transsexuals and transvestites more familiar sight than they are today. Ironically, when or if cross- dressing lifestyle ever becomes widely accepted by the society's mainstream, many of today's films would completely lose their meaning and cultural value. One of them is The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, 1994 Australian comedy written and directed by Stephan Elliott.

The plot of the film begins when Tick/Mitzi (played by Hugo Weaving), drag queen from Sydney, gets an offer to perform at the casino situated in Alice Springs, city in the middle of Australian outback. He agrees and invites his friend Adam/Felicia (played by Guy Pearce) and middle-aged transsexual Adam/Bernadette (played by Terence Stamp) to join him. Three of them buy old school bus, give it a name "Priscilla" and start long journey through Australian desert. Along the way they would experience many adventures involving hostile local bigots and the journey would be also an opportunity for all three of them to confront some personal issues - Felicia's drug addiction, Bernadette getting old and tired of drag queen lifestyle and Mitzi being burdened by traumatic event from the past.

At first glance, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is indistinguishable from Hollywood's "high concept" comedies. The plot is relatively weak and the entire film seems to be based around the idea (or, to be more precise, image) of drag queens confronting bigoted sentiments of Australian backwater. However, occasional serious note, exotic Australian locations and well-staged song and dance numbers make this film quite entertaining. But the biggest quality is in acting - two members of trio are played by Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce, Australian actors who would later have successful career in Hollywood. Their efforts are, however, overshadowed by veteran British actor Terence Stamp who gives quiet dignity to the character that have been cartoonish if played by an average actor. Bill Hunter, one of Australian cinema's most familiar faces, is also very good in the role of a mechanic who discovers unusual feelings towards Bernadette. This film today might not be as provocative as it was nine years ago, but it is still one of the better-made and more entertaining movie pleas for tolerance and peaceful coexistence of people with different lifestyles.

RATING: 5/10 (++)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on May 31st 2003)

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