Backstage

I purchased this film off ebay for the one simple reason that I was a Branigan fan and felt that it would be a good chance to see if she had acting ability. Apparently apart from being a very good singer Laura is also a decent actor. Given the script is weak and budget on the film looks low, I feel Ms Branigan did her best given the situation and realization that this was only her second picture. I think the movie as a whole had its dull moments and ran too long, but at rare times had good substance.

I recommend seeing this film if your a fan of the late Laura Branigan or you'd just like to watch a decent 'b' grade flick that is set in the beautiful city of Melbourne.

It's a story about a charismatic American pop star who wants to become an actress but can't get a part in a play produced anywhere nearer than Australia. She is played by Laura Branigan, a charismatic American pop star who evidently wanted to become an actress but couldn't get a part in a movie produced anywhere nearer than Australia. The movie tells you what its own problem is: she wants a good juicy acting role but she isn't up to it yet. The public wishes she would stick to singing.

We do see Laura Branigan perform two songs, but they're not great songs (though the opening number is photographed in an exciting if dated blue-lighted style recalling Flashdance). Most of the movie is a highly stereotyped chick-flick story about achieving the summits of love and career. The supporting cast might as well be cut out of cardboard. But does Laura Branigan prove herself as an actress? I'd say yes, but not as a lead actress. She can't get enough emotional subtlety out through her pancake makeup.

By the way, the picture on the video package shows the Sydney Opera House but the movie is set in Melbourne. There does seem to be some nice scenery in that area, but only one brief sequence gives us the benefit of it.