Sirens (1994)

Plot: In 1930s Australia, an uptight Anglican minister, Anthony Campion, and his conservative wife, Estella, are dispatched by the church to the remote country estate of notorious bohemian artist Norman Lindsay. Their mission is simple: convince the scandalous painter to withdraw an overtly sensuous artwork from an upcoming public exhibition. However, when the young couple arrives, they are completely unprepared for Lindsay's intoxicating world. Surrounded by a free-thinking household, provocative discussions, and three beautiful, uninhibited artist's models, the visitors find their strict religious convictions challenged. As the days pass, the boundary between propriety and temptation blurs, awakening suppressed desires and forcing both Anthony and Estella to confront their own definitions of morality, art, and love.

Actors: Hugh Grant, Tara Fitzgerald, Sam Neill, Elle Macpherson, Portia de Rossi, Kate Fischer, Pamela Rabe, Ben Mendelsohn, John Polson, Mark Gerber, Tottie Goldsmith, Ellie MacCarthy, Vincent Ball, John Duigan, Kitty Silver

Genre: Comedy • Drama • Romance

Studio / Manufacturer: Lions Gate Home Entertainment / Maple Pictures

Producer: Sarah Radclyffe • Sue Milliken • Hans de Weers

Director: John Duigan

Behind-the-scenes Crew & Production Side Personnel: Geoff Burton (Director of Photography) • Humphrey Dixon (Film Editor) • Rachel Portman (Composer) • Roger Ford (Production Designer) • Kerrie Brown (Set Decoration) • Barrett Hodsdon (Sound) • Sally Sharpe (Costume Designer) • Liz Mullinar (Casting)

Interesting Facts: 

Sam Neill’s character in Sirens is based on Norman Lindsay, an iconic Australian bohemian who not only painted the scandalous nudes featured in the movie, but also wrote and illustrated the beloved classic children's book The Magic Pudding.

Norman Lindsay was a highly celebrated and contraversial Austrailian artist, scuplor, cartoonist and novelist. He was famous for his vibrant nudes, political cartoons, and free-spirited lifestyle that openly challenged conservative, traditional morals.

The 1994 film Sirens was filmed on location at Norman Lindsay's actual estate, Lindsay's real home, gardens, and bohemian studio were all locations showcased in the movie.

Hugh Grant won the 1995 CFSA Award for Best Promising Actor for his part in this film as well as Four Weddings and a Funeral.