This article is part of Greenlight — The Latch’s commitment to the Australian film industry. For more content in this series, click here.
There’s something so heartwarming about watching someone accomplish their dreams, especially when it comes with a big song and dance number right at the perfect moment.
Sure, when you watch Burlesque you need to suspend your disbelief that anyone with a voice like Christina Aguilera’s could go unnoticed for 20-something years, no matter how small the town she’s from is. But when she finally hits that opening note? Chills, every time!
Films about singers have been huge in recent years. CODA won Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards, and with a ton of biopics, like Rocketman and ARETHA, we’ve been spoiled for choice.
Luckily, there’s a new film about an aspiring singer coming out soon, and we can’t wait to check it out.
Falling for Figaro stars Australian actress Danielle Macdonald, who you may remember from 2017’s Patti Cake$, as well as the one and ONLY Joanna Lumley, aka Ab Fab’s Patsy Stone.
The film is a romantic comedy centred on Millie (Macdonald), a brilliant young fund manager who leaves her unfulfilling job — and long-term boyfriend — to chase her lifelong dream of becoming an opera singer in the Scottish Highlands.
Lumley plays Meghan Geoffrey-Bishop, a fearsome singing teacher who believes that only with a broken heart can you really learn how to sing. While preparing her two students, Max and Millie, for the same competition, Meghan manipulates their love lives to get the best performance out of them.
To celebrate the release of Falling for Figaro, we’ve compiled a list of six other films that are all about singers trying to reach their dreams.
For the record, Crossroads is a CLEAR omission from this list, because it’s not available to stream or download anywhere in Australia. Thank God this writer owns it on DVD, to be honest!
Burlesque
Directed by: Steve Antin
Starring: Cher, Christina Aguilera, Alan Cumming, Kristen Bell
Synopsis: A small-town girl ventures to Los Angeles and finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by a former dancer.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch Burlesque on Netflix
CODA
Directed by: Sian Heder
Starring: Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur
Synopsis: As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family’s fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her passion at Berklee College of Music and her fear of abandoning her parents.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch CODA on AppleTV+
Glitter
Directed by: Vondie Curtis-Hall
Starring: Mariah Carey, Eric Benét, Max Beesley
Synopsis: A young singer dates a disc jockey who helps her get into the music business, but their relationship become complicated as she ascends to super stardom.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Rent Glitter on AppleTV
Josie and the Pussycats
Directed by: Harry Elfont, Deborah Kaplan
Starring: Rachael Leigh Cook, Tara Reid, Rosario Dawson
Synopsis: A girl group finds themselves in the middle of a conspiracy to deliver subliminal messages through popular music.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Rent Josie and the Pussycats on AppleTV
Pitch Perfect
Directed by: Jason Moore
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson
Synopsis: Beca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school’s all-girls singing group. Injecting some much-needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch Pitch Perfect on BINGE
A Star Is Born
Directed by: Bradley Cooper
Starring: Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott
Synopsis: A musician helps a young singer find fame as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.
Trailer:
Where to watch: Watch A Star Is Born on BINGE
Falling for Figaro is in select HOYTS cinemas now. Want to win free tickets? We’re giving away double passes! Check out all the information below:
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