First Review: Australia’s Next Top Model
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under Reviews
It’s probably timely to remember that there is more than one reality television programme using kids in its mix.
Australia’s Next Top Model has 13 girls aged 16-21 all with their on the title, the glam, the attention, the car, the trip and the agency contract. And who can blame them? Last year when the series aired on FOX8 it attracted serious buzz.
The ‘model’ of Model is now a well-established formula. Glam photo shoots, partying girls, bitching, gossiping, elimination, tears, elation, aspiration, and SHOCK TWISTS! If it wasn’t all there the audience would feel let down, yet at the same time it risks becoming a genre cliche. How does one year of ANTM differ from any other? The key: casting.
In the first episode the girls are introduced. Two by two they are hauled in for their first catwalk, meeting the judges in a darkened, star chamber, ominously lit and echoing for maximum effect.
Host Jodhi Meares joins with judges Charlotte Dawson and Alex Perry to assess the prey, cutting them down to size and / or complimenting them. Each pair are also made to hurriedly change into two piece swimsuits for absolute scrutiny. It has to be said all the girls border on the slimmest of slims (and that’s being nice).
Meares’ role is at best dual, and at worst blurred. It is important in reality to provide a sympathetic figure, something Gretel Killeen could turn on and off when necessary on Big Brother. In a show where the sport is to critique the physical appearance of such young candidates, this host will need to maintain a degree of independence. After all, the benefit in having a successful model host the show is to empathise, support and inspire, surely?
To the credit of Granada, the look of the show indicates money well spent. Producers know what this franchise is and have rolled up their sleeves to make it work. The photo shoots at Fox Studios are lavish, the house for the girls is chic (even if there are Jodhi pics and ‘Jodhi Mail’ everywhere) and fans will be easily satiated by the 90 minute premiere.
As for the girls, at this early stage it’s hard to pic one from another (sorry gals!) with the exception of one girl from the bush who tells it like it is and doesn’t seem fazed by all the phony airs.
If you loved it last year, you will surely love it again this year, bitch.
Australia’s Next top Model premieres 7:30pm Tuesday on FOX8.
One Response
I watched the show for the first time today. I will never watch it again. It was so offensive and the comments made to and about the girls by the judges and stylist were so offensive I squirmed in my seat. It was like stepping into some sick and twisted alternate reality which I don’t care to visit ever again. I feel dumber for watching it. Give me a show that empowers women instead of this degrading and superficial crap. The saddest part is that the judges take themselves so seriously!