Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo

Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo is a gripping two-part Australian television mini-series that premiered in 2011, produced by Endemol, and brought to life by the phenomenal performance of actress Asher Keddie. This series offers a thoroughly engaging narrative which focuses on the cultural revolution in Australia sparked by the launch of women's magazine Cleo.

Ever-engaging, Asher Keddie spiritedly portrays the pioneering role of Ita Buttrose, a legendary Australian journalist, and editor who is primarily known for her exceptional accomplishments in the world of media. The series provides a brilliant historical portrayal of social movements and nascent feminism in the '70s, shown through the lens of the publishing industry in Australia.

The series, set in the sparkling and electric atmosphere of the 1970s, provides an intricate depiction of the challenges faced by a young group of reporters, editors, and industry outsiders, who were entrusted with the colossal task of creating a trailblazing magazine tailored for 'liberated' women. The narrative unwraps in Sydney, where a compelling, rebellious and dynamic editor named Ita Buttrose and a divisive media proprietor, Kerry Packer, joined forces to craft Cleo, a groundbreaking publication packed with frank articles, a risqué male nude centerfold, and a distinctively modern perspective on women's issues.

The viewers are invited to witness the risky and tumultuous journey embarked on by Buttrose and her steadfast team as they challenge societal norms and battle prevalent prejudices to produce an innovative magazine that was destined to change the face of Australian media. The thrilling voyage is spiked with many memorable moments, including public outcry, passionate debates, censorship struggles, and a wholesome depiction of the power dynamics that existed within the media fraternity.

Asher Keddie’s acclaimed portrayal of Ita Butrose is the heart of this engaging drama. Keddie’s performance beautifully captures the complexity, strength, and charisma of this groundbreaking journalist. She seamlessly adjusts to the personality and mannerisms of Buttrose, embodying the struggles and triumphs of a determined editor fighting for a change. This mini-series not only focuses on Buttrose's professional achievements but also gives a detailed look into her personal life, relationships, and her struggles as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

The supporting cast compliments the series well, contributing to an overall invigorating experience. Rob Carlton shines as Kerry Packer, capturing the media mogul's brusque manner and business acumen with aplomb. The ensemble cast rounds out the narrative, providing well-realized characters each with their own unique perspective on the rapidly changing landscape of female empowerment and societal expectations.

The series effortlessly transforms the iconic historical events into a charming narrative by expertly mingling fact with fiction. The script borrows heavily from actual events and public accounts, thus adding a sense of authenticity and credibility to the portrayal. While the storyline primarily revolves around the launch of Cleo, it also successfully paints a wider picture of society at that time, showing a country at the precipice of change and the resistance to its onset.

The music, a nostalgic compilation of popular songs from the 1970s, superbly sets the tone of the era, seamlessly blending with the authentic wardrobe and production design, that perfectly captures the fashion and style norms of the time period. Meanwhile, the captivating cinematography offers a rich, nostalgic backdrop to the storytelling, further injecting life into this engaging narrative.

Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo is more than a mini-series; it's a compelling journey through a pivotal time in Australian history. Through the lens of media and journalism, it serves as a potent exploration of the feminist movement, the birth of modern media, and the robust personalities who dared to change the face of Australian society. It's a delightful watch for anyone interested in how social revolutions take place, where journalism intersects with history, and how a group of determined individuals can catalyze societal change.