Mystify: Michael Hutchence

Name: Mystify: Michael Hutchence
Genre: Biography, Music, Documentary
Released: January 7, 2020
Duration: 102 min
Rating: 73
Cast: Bob Geldof, Helena Christensen, INXS, Michael Hutchence, Paula Yates

2020

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Generally favorable reviews based on 9 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 4 Ratings

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7.3	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 4 Ratings

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Mystify: Michael Hutchence

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Movie Details & Credits

Fathom Events | Release Date: January 7, 2020 | Not Rated

Starring: Bob Geldof, Helena Christensen, INXS, Michael Hutchence, Paula Yates

Summary: Deftly woven from an extraordinary archive of rich imagery, Michael’s private home movies and those of his lovers, friends, and family, the film delves beneath the public persona of the charismatic ‘Rock God’ and transports us through the looking glass to reveal a multifaceted, intensely sensitive and complex man. For an all too brief time,Deftly woven from an extraordinary archive of rich imagery, Michael’s private home movies and those of his lovers, friends, and family, the film delves beneath the public persona of the charismatic ‘Rock God’ and transports us through the looking glass to reveal a multifaceted, intensely sensitive and complex man. For an all too brief time, we revel in Michael’s Dionysian beauty and sensuality on stage and off. We listen to the range of his extraordinary voice and witness the charmed way he travels through life as he is propelled to world acclaim. But Michael struggled with the idea of success, the creative limits of pop stardom and how to express his integrity; a longing that shaped his life and music and gave birth to a desire to go far beyond the constraints of pop. A violent event strikes Michael and changes his life forever, fracturing his sense of self and robbing him of his connection to life. Made vulnerable, he is unable to navigate the complex challenges he faces moving forward and he has little defence against the onslaught of tabloid press that descends upon his world. Amidst the encroaching darkness, Michael’s new-born daughter, Tiger, becomes his one bright light.… Expand

Director: Richard Lowenstein

Genre(s): Biography, Music, Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 102 min

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Critic Reviews

Adam Lowes

Nov 4, 2019

Mystify: Michael Hutchence is an impeccably assembled, comprehensive tribute to a rock legend and is entirely worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as the aforementioned Winehouse doc. Read full review

Trevor Johnston

Feb 14, 2022

There’s a cumulative emotional impact, generated by the fond recollections of everyone who loved him but couldn’t save him from what he was going through, and marked by the extent to which so many of them are willing to share precious private moments. Read full review

Empire Liz Beardsworth

Jan 8, 2020

An illuminating, moving and quietly shocking account of Michael Hutchence’s short life. A must for fans, but Lowenstein’s lyrical, meditative piece offers a compelling account of one man’s passion that exudes warmth and humanity. Read full review

Graham Fuller

Jan 8, 2020

The film makes a powerful case that, despite a troubled upbringing, Hutchence was not naturally self-destructive. Read full review

Phil de Semlyen

Jan 8, 2020

As the tragedy unfolds, there’s a strange solace in seeing this captivating enigma somehow emerging intact. Read full review

Harry Windsor

Jan 8, 2020

A tender portrait of the man's highs and lows that sheds new light on the broken years that directly preceded his suicide at 37. Read full review

The Guardian Luke Buckmaster

Jan 8, 2020

Frustratingly, Lowenstein doesn’t let the musician’s talent speak for itself. Read full review

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User Reviews

rjmacready

Apr 5, 2021

Despite being a big INXS fan - and thereby, an at least reasonably-sized Michael Hutchence fan - this is far from one of my favourite music documentaries (which I devour on a constant basis).

Perhaps it concentrated too much on the least interesting aspects of his story, for my tastes - hisDespite being a big INXS fan - and thereby, an at least reasonably-sized Michael Hutchence fan - this is far from one of my favourite music documentaries (which I devour on a constant basis).

Perhaps it concentrated too much on the least interesting aspects of his story, for my tastes - his personal romances, for example - but for whatever reason, this one failed to engage me as much as the likes of Some Kind of Monster (Metallica) or End of the Century (Ramones). Or even New York Doll, about bassist Arthur "Killer" Kane (to cite a more individual/person-based documentary).

AND the ending didn't make me want to cry...despite the real-life tragedy that clearly occurred. So that's never a great sign. The whole thing is a bit on the arty/aloof side for its own good, perhaps. With a little luck, there's a truly great INXS documentary somewhere in our future; but if this remains the definitive Hutchence doco, I'm reasonably satisfied but hardly elated.… Expand

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Tyranian

Jan 11, 2020

Fairly interesting film about Michael Hutchence, quite sad but also instructive.

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