Strictly Ballroom: How Tara Morice and Paul Mercurio reshaped Australian cinema

In a retrospective interview with The Guardian Culture, actors Tara Morice and Paul Mercurio reflect on the production and legacy of Baz Luhrmann’s 1992 film, Strictly Ballroom. The film is credited with challenging Australian gender norms regarding male dancers and establishing a new trajectory for local cinema. Morice details her extensive casting process, which included seven screen tests over a year, and notes that the character of Fran was inspired by her personal habit of picking frangipani flowers. Mercurio, drawing on his background with the Sydney Dance Company, reflects on the film’s success in normalising men dancing, contrasting this with the hostility he faced in the 1970s. The pair also recall the film’s international premiere at Cannes and their subsequent year-long global promotion tour.

Morice reveals she underwent seven screen tests over the course of a year for the role of Fran, a decision made the night before filming began. The character’s name was inspired by Morice’s own habit of picking frangipani flowers during walks to rehearsals, as the trees are ubiquitous in Sydney. Production designer Catherine Martin created artificial frangipani flowers for the set because it was winter and the trees were not in bloom. Filming of Fran’s house scenes continued until 2am to capture the sound of a passing goods train.

Mercurio discusses his casting as Scott, his background with the Sydney Dance Company, and the film’s impact on challenging Australian gender norms. He recounts an anecdote about a 6ft 3in man who admitted his wife had dragged him to the cinema, only for the man to become a fan. Mercurio notes that the film achieved his dream of normalising men dancing, contrasting his childhood experiences with ballet in the 1970s where he faced hostility from peers.

Both actors describe the film’s international success, including its premiere at Cannes, and its role in establishing a new trajectory for Australian cinema. Morice and Mercurio spent a year travelling the world to promote the film. Morice recalls being chased down the street by screaming schoolgirls in Sydney, noting this level of celebrity attention no longer occurs. She states that having a wife and children at home helped keep her grounded during the film’s promotion.

Strictly Ballroom emerged from Luhrmann’s theatre company, Six Years Old, and was inspired by movement teacher Keith Bain. Morice and Mercurio met in the middle of their respective skills, with Morice bringing theatrical experience and Mercurio bringing dance prowess. The film’s success paved the way for bolder choices in Australian filmmaking, creating a different image of the country on the global stage.