THE LIST: FIVE OF THE BEST FROM SUSAN PRIOR

Every film industry needs an actress like Australian film needs Susan Prior. In Hollywood, it’s Judy Greer; the U.K. has Janet McTeer and Joely Richardson; the French rely upon Ludivine Sagnier. Prior and her global peers are that most valued of cast members - the character actor, the presence that ensures depth, integrity and intelligence. Prior has become a beloved presence on the small-screen (All Saints; Puberty Blues; Top of the Lake; The Gloaming) and one of the nation’s most respected stage performers (opposite Hugo Weaving in Riflemind, for director Philip Seymour Hoffman; the renowned Bell Shakspeare production of King Lear).

Recognised early in her career as an asset to any film production (Idiot Box, 1996; Heaven's Burning, 1997; Praise, 1998), our film sector has turned repeatedly to one of our finest actors. Ahead of her online discussion with Actors Centre Australia Head of Acting Adam Cook this Wednesday, May 13, we look to the big-screen for Susan Prior’s five best movie moments....        

THE ROVER (Dir: David Michôd; 2014) Pairing with her Animal Kingdom director brought Prior a long-overdue industry statuette - the AACTA Best Supporting Actress trophy for her role as ‘Dorothy Peeples’. David Michôd’s bleak, dystopian outback-noir needed an actress of rare strength to shine against the eccentricity of leads Guy Pearce and Robert Pattison and ugliness of the setting; Prior (and co-star Gillian Jones) punch through the oppressiveness of the material with fierce, forceful, female potency. 

THE VIEW FROM GREENHAVEN (Dirs: The MacRae Brothers; 2008) Kenn and Simon MacRae’s bittersweet drama/comedy allows Prior her most naturally warm and endearing role. As ‘Kate’, the daughter who yearns for some input into the complex marital dynamics of her ageing parents, Wendy Hughes and Chris Hayward, Prior (alongside a wonderful Russell Dyskstra) is a typically lovely presence; the naturalness of her performance underlines the ease with which the actress projects warmth and empathy on-screen.

A DIVIDED HEART (Dir: Denny Lawrence; 2005) An all-too-rare lead role for Prior in this World War II-set romantic drama. Director Denny Lawrence (Emoh Ruo, 1985; Afraid to Dance, 1995) and legendary producer, the late David Hannay (Stone, 1974; Mapantsula, 1988) cast Prior as Millie Vickery, the wife of an Australian soldier (David Roberts) who finds herself in conflict with her sister (Blazey Best) for the affection of an American serviceman (fellow NIDA alumni, Christopher Stollery). Scant cinema exposure and dumped onto DVD by Roadshow Home Video, the handsomely-produced period piece is testament to Prior’s potent presence as a leading lady given the right vehicle.

BOOK WEEK (Dir: Heath Davis; 2018) In one of 2018’s great support performances, Prior plays Lee, a career high-school teacher whose pragmatism and strength of character helps her boozy, directionless colleague Nick (the equally wonderful Alan Dukes; pictured, right) through some tough times.  “Susan is easily the most hard working, passionate and prepared actress I’ve ever seen,” director Heath Davis told Cinema Australia. “She puts her heart and soul into everything in order to find the truth of a scene. She lives and breathes it like all the greats.” (Read the SCREEN-SPACE Review here)    

ANIMAL KINGDOM (Dir: David Michôd; 2010) Prior and Michôd had worked together as part of the editorial team at industry journal Inside Film, where they became close. When the young director moved forward on his debut feature after years in development, Prior’s involvement in a small but pivotal role as ‘Alicia Henry’ came about through both their friendship and a deep respect for each other's talent. In hindsight, the acclaimed crime thriller launched a new wave of local talent into the global film sector and Prior’s presence was central to a landmark moment in Australian film history.

IN CONVERSATION: SUSAN PRIOR is a live streaming event via the ACTORS CENTRE AUSTRALIA Facebook page. It will commence 7:30pm AEST on Wednesday, May 13.