SUE MURRAY

MYSTIFY: MICHAEL HUTCHENCE (2019)
Starring Kylie Minogue, Helena Christensen, Michael Hutchence and Bono. Directed by Richard Lowenstein.

In the 1980s and 90s, Michael Hutchence was flying high and topping the charts as the lead singer of the hugely successful Australian rock band INXS. There was, however, a darkness that always hovered behind the spotlight. Hutchence, a man who saw rock and roll as “liberation,” was a natural performer who channeled his unique brand of exuberant vocals and charismatic sex appeal onto the stage until his untimely death at the age of 37.

Through a treasure trove of rarely seen archival footage and insights from those closest to Hutchence, director Richard Lowenstein creates a documentary that is both kinetic and intimate, delving into the singer’s complicated upbringing, his rise to fame, the devoted love affairs with women such as Helena Christensen, Kylie Minogue, and Paula Yates, a growing drug problem, the traumatic brain injury that changed the course of his life, and his never- ending struggle to make peace with himself.

REVIEWS Mystify: Michael Hutchence - INXS lead singer still touching hearts years after his death

THE FLIP SIDE (2018)
Starring Eddie Izzard, Emily Taheny, Luke McKenzie, Vanessa Guide, Hugh Sheridan, Susie Youssef, Tina Bursill, Tiriel Mora and Jenna Sutch. Directed by Marion Pilowsky.

Mired in debt, Ronnie is a struggling Adelaide restaurateur looking after her elderly mother and living with good-hearted boyfriend Jeff. Five years ago, while catering on a film set in Australia, she had an intense affair with British movie star, Henry. Despite wild declarations of love, as the movie wrapped so did the relationship, crushing Ronnie's heart. When Henry’s French girlfriend Sophie (Vanessa Guide) calls to say they will be in Adelaide on a promotional tour Jeff excitedly agrees to meet up and unwittingly creates the perfect opportunity for Henry to seduce Ronnie all over again.