Toni Collette was the star, but Gabby Millgate without a doubt had the most iconic line from Muriel’s Wedding.
“You’re terrible, Muriel” has become a staple quote for Australians since the film was released in 1994, however, in a new interview, Millgate has said that it was nearly left on the cutting room floor.
In an interview on SBS Insight for a special episode called 15 Minutes Later airing on October 14 — Millgate explained that she was convinced it would be taken out.
“I was sure it was going to be cut from the movie,” she said. “It was [film editor] Jill Bilcock who convinced him [director P.J. Hogan] that it was something he should keep, because when you see things over and over again they kind of lose their magic.”
The infamous line was so popular that it has even been referenced by Madonna and Will Ferrell, one which Millgate says resonated with so many people.
“It was that little jealous part of us that is glad your brother or sister or someone who’s better than you is in trouble,” she said.
In honour of the line been kept in the film (can you seriously imagine it without it?!), we have compiled a list of the top 7 most iconic lines from Australian films.
“That’s not a knife. THAT’s a knife.” — Crocodile Dundee (1986)
Globally, this Mick Dundee (Paul Hogan) quote is one of the most infamous quotes in Australian history. Although famous, most people get it wrong.
Instead of saying, “THAT’s a knife”, people often say: “THIS is a knife”.
“Tell him he’s dreaming.” — The Castle (1997)
The Castle is full of iconic lines including “How’s the serenity. So much serenity” but “Tell him he’s dreaming” is by far one of the best!
“This is going straight to the pool room!” — The Castle (1997)
Another cracker from The Castle, we dare you to find one any Aussie family who hasn’t had at least one family member get a special present and announce it’s going “straight to the pool room!”.
“You’re terrible, Muriel.” — Muriel’s Wedding (1994)
Synonymous with “Not happy, Jan”, Aussies have uttered this phrase whenever someone says anything facetious!
“That’ll do pig, that’ll do.” — Babe (1995)
I’m already crying just thinking about Babe. Farmer Hoggett’s (James Cromwell) relationship with his prized pig is one for the ages.
“I am the Nightrider. I’m a fuel-injected suicide machine. I am the rocker, I am the roller, I am the out-of-controller!” — Mad Max (1979)
The Night Rider (Vincent Gil) was a member of The Toe Cutter’s Motorcycle Gang and while his appearance was brief, it was certainly memorable.
“There’s a smell in here that will outlast religion.” — Kenny (2006)
Kenny (Shane Jacobson) was a hilarious mockumentary that followed a porta-john worker through both his personal and professional life. Could it get any more blue-collar ‘Strayan then that?