Jul. 05, 2014|United Kingdom|97 Min.|n/A
Genre: Documentary;Drama;Music
Description: “20,000 Days on Earth” (2014) is a unique film that delves into the life of Australian musician Nick Cave. Rather than presenting a traditional documentary, the filmmakers—Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, who have previously directed music videos for Cave’s band, The Bad Seeds—opted for a semi-fictionalized portrayal of a day in his life. This approach allows Cave to explore his multifaceted persona: a mix of brutality, vulnerability, agnosticism, and divine aspirations.
In the film, Cave reflects on the meaning of performance as he walks along the shoreline near his home, narrating his thoughts with poetic flair. Rain becomes a metaphor for his emotions, and old photographs spark memories of his past. He engages in candid conversations with long-time collaborator Warren Ellis, shares a drive with Kylie Minogue, and even discusses his father with a therapist. These interactions reveal intriguing insights, such as Minogue teasing Cave about his “angry tree” dancing or Cave’s discussion with guitarist Blixa Bargeld about their professional split.
Despite the vulnerability displayed in these moments, Cave maintains a certain guardedness. He doesn’t shy away from his diva persona or apologize for the distance he keeps from his fans, a space he navigates primarily through his music. He speaks of drawing energy from his audience during performances but avoids detailing the intense pre-concert mindset he and his bandmates experience.
“20,000 Days on Earth” is not a biography but a portrait of an artist in constant evolution, offering a window into Cave’s creative process and self-perception.
Cast director: Iain Forsyth
Cast actor: Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Blixa Bargeld, Susie Bick, Arthur Cave, Earl Cave, Kirk Lake, Darian Leader, Kylie Minogue, Ray Winstone
Original name: 20,000 Days on Earth