Mystify: Michael Hutchence

Mystify: Michael Hutchence is a 2019 documentary film that provides a deeply personal and emotionally charged examination of the enigmatic and captivating rock icon, Michael Hutchence. The film features archival footage of Michael Hutchence, recorded interviews and personal home videos, interspersed with new interviews of those who were closest to him – bandmates from INXS, family members, friends, and lovers. Directed by Richard Lowenstein, who had a close personal and professional relationship with Hutchence, this film carries an intimate and sentimental tone, offering a meaningful depth to the story.

The film dives into the rollercoaster life of Michael Hutchence, exposing the often glamour-plated world of rock ‘n’ roll in a touching and authentic way, opening up an unseen view of the widely adored, charismatic and complex man behind the public figure. The skilfully assembled and exhaustive collage of footage enables the audience to experience the personal and professional highs and lows of Hutchence.

Starting from his early life in Australia, Mystify explores Michael's complex family dynamics, the warmth and sorrows of his early years, and the influences shaping his early love for music and performance. It chronicles the formation of the rock band INXS, showing how Michael's alluring persona, coupled with the leading musical efforts of band members like Andrew Farriss, poured magnetic energy into the start of the band's meteoric rise in the 1980s.

Mystify then subtly shifts from the relative innocence of the early years to the intense demands and tempties of international fame, showcasing how a unique combination of passion, talent, fortune, and circumstances led to INXS soaring the heights of the global music scene with a unique style and sound. The band’s bonding, creative tensions, their exhilarating concerts, best-selling albums, the eye-catching music videos form an integral part of this narrative.

As we delve deeper into Michael's life, the movie unravels further the toll that relentless touring, tabloid scrutiny and the increasing isolation associated with living in the spotlight took on Hutchence’s mental health and personal life. It does not shy away from discussing his tumultuous relationships with famous women, such as Kylie Minogue and Paula Yates. It shows how the rock singer's personal life was marked by an overwhelmed mixture of intense passion, affection, and often volatile emotional conflicts.

A particular dramatic incident that Forever changed Hutchence’s life is detailed in the film—a traumatic head injury that was covered up at the time. This once-secret event in his life is given the full dramatic focus it deserves and the film argues the pivotal role it played in Michael’s personality changes, his struggle with depression and the events leading to his tragic end.

Unlike many biographical documentaries, however, Mystify: Michael Hutchence does not lean heavily into the tragic aspects of his life. Yes, it touches upon the dark times and it mourns the loss of a gifted star, but throughout all of this, it never loses sight of the talent, the charisma, and the spark that made Michael Hutchence the rock legend that he was. It honours his legacy, compassionately bringing to life the complexity of his character and his profound impact on the music world and those around him.

An essential part of this film’s impact comes from its soundtrack, filled with INXS's biggest hits, personal Hutchence’s tracks, and scores by Warren Ellis. The memory-evoking power of this music adds further thought-provoking and emotional layers to the narrative, enhancing the viewer’s connection to Michael's story.

In conclusion, Mystify: Michael Hutchence is a must-see for any rock music enthusiast or any viewer interested in gaining an insightful look into the complex interplay of fame, personal struggle and exceptional talent. In addition to entertainment, it serves as a touching tribute to Michael Hutchence, humanizing the iconic figure we have seen on stage, reminding us of his deep-rooted charm, long-lasting influence, and legacy that will forever remain with us. This documentary successfully manages to ‘mystify’ us with the life and persona of its protagonist while shedding new light onto his story and his tragic and premature death in a sensation-filled world that he helped define.