Image that inspired the character Larry Devine
Where do you start when creating a character?
For Larry Devine, the critical character in the novella Outback Drama, I researched the early careers of two icons of Australian film – Jack Thompson and Brian Brown. Melding their back stories to create a completely new character.
THE JACK THOMPSON INSPIRATION
Like Larry, Jack Thompson is known for his rugged, strong screen presence and his portrayals of iconic characters in both Australian and overseas productions.
As a young man, Jack also spent time as a stockman/ringer on a vast cattle station, in his case in the remote Northern Territory (Larry worked in Queensland). This experience gave both actors valuable experience and a hands-on understanding of the Australian landscape and character, influencing their many roles. Jack went on to work on Australian and overseas productions with David Bowie, Tom Conti, Stephanie Powers, Raquel Welch, Dennis Hopper, Ingrid Bergman and Kevin Spacey. He won Best Supporting Actor at Cannes in 1981.
BRIAN BROWN INSPIRATION
Like Larry, Brian Brown discovered his passion for acting in amateur theatre in Sydney (not Larry’s Hobart) - and went on to play minor roles under Laurence Olivier in London’s Old Vic Company before returning to Australia. In his Australian and overseas career, Brian has worked with Judy Davis, Helen Morse, Richard Chamberlain, Paul McCartney, Tom Cruise, Sigourney Weaver, Dudley Moore, Michael Caine and Heath Ledger.
He currently stars in the quirky TV series Darby and Joan.
BUT BEFORE - LARRY’S BEGINNINGS
As to be featured in a future novel, for years Larry’s father fought in the desert heat of WW2’s North African campaign and when invalided back to London, found the weather unbearably cold. There Larry was born “within sight of the two vast chimneys of the Battersea power station” (two additional chimneys were added after the war).
Arguments followed. Dad wanting to migrate to somewhere hot while Mum was content with the London cold so the compromise was Hobart, the capital of Australia’s southern island state of Tasmania.
And as the author was a one-time member of Tasmania’s Old Nick Company, it made an ideal launching pad for Larry’s stellar career.
DISCLAIMER
While Larry Devines’ early career was based on both Jack Thomson and Brian Brown it is stressed that in no way do either of these doyens of the Australian film industry demonstrate the arrogance, scheming and self aggrandisement displayed by Larry Devine.
LINKS
www.williamsimsbooks.com/outbackdrama
www.themoviedb.org/person/29092/bryan-brown
www.portrait.gov.au/jack-thompson-1940