NFSA Restores: Bliss
After a near-death experience, an advertising executive begins to suspect he might have woken up in hell.
Harry Joy (Barry Otto) seemingly has it all: a wife, studious kids, a job as an advertising bigshot. But after a brush with death, he awakens in a hellish version of the life he knew.
Based on Peter Carey’s Miles Franklin-winning novel, the off-kilter world of BLISS scandalised contemporary ‘80s audiences. The risqué novel was a natural match for director Ray Lawrence and producer Anthony Buckley, who teamed up to create an equally controversial film classic.
Initially notorious for walkouts during its Cannes Film Festival premiere, sold-out Sydney screenings put to bed any initial hesitations about the film finding an audience. BLISS is now acclaimed as a fable about wrestling with family dysfunction, legacy and the desire for genuine love and happiness.
BLISS was digitally restored as part of NFSA Restores in 2016.
© Anthony Buckley Films