Director: Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard.
Cast: Nick Cave, Susie Bick, Warren Ellis, Darian Leader, Ray Winstone, Kylie Minogue.
Certificate: 15
Running Time: 97 minutes.
Synopsis: Nick Cave looks back over his life and career while celebrating his 20,000th day on Earth.
IS there anyone interesting enough to make a film about their 20,000 DAYS ON EARTH? Apparently the answer to that question is a big solid “Yes”, and that person is Nick Cave. Long time leader of The Bad Seeds, but also dabbler in film scripts and other forms of artistic expression, Cave is a man who is genuinely interesting, not just because of what he has achieved but also how he presents such achievements, and this documentary is no different.
This documentary excels by setting out a fairly convincing narrative as well as using artistic flourishes to explore the life and mind of its focal point. Presumably, this was not shot over the course of 1 day, but by setting it during one day we see a man desperately attempting to chronicle his life in moments that he considers important. It’s a delightful exercise, and Cave uses some of the key moments in his career but also uses interesting anecdotes and personal stories. Such stories add depth to a man who may seem insular and mysterious based solely on his music.
The film avoids all forms of pretentiousness thanks to a wonderfully proud yet also humble Cave. When he tells of singing with Kylie Minogue, or performing alongside Nina Simone, he never once sounds like a braggart. 20,000 DAYS ON EARTH is also concerned with themes larger than its subject, such as aging and the passage of time. In a trilogy of wonderfully surreal moments, Cave imagines people from his past appearing in his car for a chat. These include the likes of Ray Winstone, who starred in the Cave scripted THE PROPOSITION, and Kylie Minogue. By not just presenting these as talking heads or interview segments, there’s a dreamlike quality which suitably intertwines with Cave’s own work.
It goes without saying that the music, by Cave and long term collaborator Warren Ellis, is beautiful throughout, as is the cinematography by Erik Wilson. He captures a windy and rain soaked Brighton in a simplistic but moving way. Unlike so many documentaries that are trying to capture an unrepeatable moment in that very instance, here some craft has gone in to constructing images.
Although I like all the music I’ve heard from Cave, I wouldn’t call myself a fan. Nor could I answer trivia about his albums/songs etc. Luckily, this is an open expression that anyone can enjoy. Hysterical at points, moving at others, it’s fitting that Cave is interviewed by a psychologist, rather than over praising fan filmmakers. 20,000 Days On Earth is a beautifully shot documentary that highlights Nick Cave’s poetic soul as well as his great sense of humour. Twisting a standard biographical piece into a spiritual journey with touches of a more conventional narrative is an absolute master stroke, which will certainly make this accessible to fans and non-fans alike. As you would expect, the music is capable of penetrating the skin and worming its way into your heart. A delightful little exercise that manages to be confident, yet lack pretension.
[usr=4]20,000 DAYS ON EARTH is released on 19th September.
