[4] Starring Marcia Gay Harden, Maclean’s Crush has been subject of much criticism and inquiry, particularly in feminist debate and film theory.

Starring Billy Crudup and Samantha Morton (with Holly Hunter, Dennis Hopper, Denis Leary and Jack Black in supporting roles), the film is based on the short story collection by cult US writer Denis Johnson about drug addicts and addiction itself.

[8] Following Stanley (protagonist), through his time in an Auckland-based acting college, the film centres on his interactions with teachers, students, and his involvement in a dramatically inappropriate teacher-student affair.

[8] Maclean’s film adaptation brings up questions of privacy, publicity, love, and emotions while trying to draw the line between real life and the stage.

[6] After her success with the 1989 short film, Kitchen Sink, Maclean was noticed by Touchstone Pictures and extended a development offer.

[9] Despite its falling through, Maclean later went on to be represented by Park Pictures in New York, after being in talks with company owners Kelman Bisbee and Jonna Mattingly following her success with Crush (1992) in 1999.

[7] In association with Scenarios USA, Alison Maclean directed the movie adaptation of the winning script of New York's "What's the REAL DEAL" contest for 12- to 22-year-olds, authored by Tiara Bennett.