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Selected by NZ On Screen Team
Writer Janet Frame (1924 - 2004) is an icon of New Zealand literature; her 'edge of the alphabet' use of language has seen her acclaimed as "one of the great writers of our time" (San Francisco Chronicle). This collection celebrates Frame's life and work on screen, from applauded Vincent Ward and Jane Campion translations to a rare TV interview with Michael Noonan.
The story of a retired art teacher dealing with isolation and loneliness, culminating in a stormy, terrifying night. Vincent Ward’s acclaimed short film was adapted from a Frame novel, and established his directing career. The LA Times gushed: “stunning ... film becomes poetry”.
This is a fresh, unhurried, film based around a substantial interview with Frame herself, filmed in 1975 with Michael Noonan. The rare footage of Frame - here aged 50 - presents a confident writer in her prime, and negates any stereotypes about Frame’s inarticulacy or shyness.
Based on the biography by historian Michael King this documentary travels through familiar Frame themes - her alleged mental illness, family tragedies, overseas stays, how she began writing. Its value lies in the interviews with key figures in her life (this was King’s last interview for film).
Based on Frame's three-part autobiography, Jane Campion’s award-winning film composed images and scenes to evoke Frame's dramatic life story. It established Campion as an international director, launched the career of Kerry Fox, and introduced new audiences to the 'mirror city' of Frame's writing.
This excerpt from Holmes features another rare interview with Frame, filmed in 2000 to mark the release of Michael King’s Frame biography. Reporter John Sellwood visited Frame at her Dunedin home along with his bagpipes, and King, who is also interviewed and provides perspective on Frame’s writing.
Pioneering writer Frank Sargeson was an early mentor for Frame; she completed Owls Do Cry while staying in the garden shed of his fabled fibrolite bach in Takapuna. In this doco Sargeson (and Frame) biographer Michael King takes us through Sargeson’s life and fostering influence on New Zealand literature.
“Have any filmmakers been able to create images equal to her sharp eye or her highly original way with words?” Read more.
Extensive A State of Siege information on Vincent Ward’s website, including galleries, reviews and ‘making of’ info.
The official website for Frame’s literary estate, containing comprehensive biographical and bibliographical information.
NZ On Screen would like to thank Pamela Gordon and the Janet Frame Literary Trust, Roger Horrocks, Vincent Ward and Tim White.
NZ ON SCREEN 2013
This website has been made with funding from NZ ON AIR ›
