Mel Campbell

Mel Campbell is a freelance cultural critic and university lecturer who writes on film, TV, literature and media, with particular interests in history, costume, screen adaptations and futurism. Her first book was the nonfiction investigation Out of Shape: Debunking Myths about Fashion and Fit (2013), and she has co-written two romantic comedy novels with Anthony Morris: The Hot Guy (2017) and Nailed It (2019).

Mel Campbell's Latest Articles

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Good Luck to You, Leo Grande: a sex work film that works

Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack impress us, and each other, in this winning comedy-drama by Sophie Hyde.

Opinions & Analysis

Persuasion on Netflix isn't entirely bad – really

We are clearly watching Anne’s own telling of her story: her own fantasy of being a playful, adorkable rom-com heroine.

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Miriam Margolyes: Australia Unmasked – review

The new ABC series sees Margoyles travelling south and west through Australia with some profoundly moving moments.

Features

Barons, Surviving Summer – surfing makes waves on TV

Surfing in 2022 is not how it was in its laid-back heyday but these shows express beautifully the thrill a…

Poet Don Ashby in A still from abc TV People’s Republic of Mallacoota
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People’s Republic of Mallacoota review: beyond the Black Summer bushfires

The six-part ABC documentary follows the Victorian coastal town's efforts to recover following the bushfires of 2019 and 2020.

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Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed review – 'rotting from the head down'

The series builds an image of an organisation tapping vulnerable congregants while evading responsibility for the suffering it causes.

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Downton Abbey: A New Era review: this feels like a farewell tour

Beautiful interiors, romantic intrigue, endless rituals of dinners, parties and balls – nothing lasts forever ...

It's adventure time. Image: Paramount Pictures.
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The Lost City review: it runs on charisma and fun

The film is at its best when it gives Sandra Bullock's Loretta – and by extension us – permission to…

ABC presenter Tony Armstrong poses with a dog.
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TV Review: A Dog’s World with Tony Armstrong

Debunking canine myths and celebrating dogs in all their individuality – this show is a soothing treat for the senses

Jabari Banks plays Will in an edgier retelling of the nineties show.
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Review: Bel-Air – from West Philadelphia worn and grazed

Even as it celebrates the Banks family’s Black excellence, Bel-Air makes explicit that their wealth has eroded their racial solidarity.

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