Rock’n’Roll Nerd
Filmmaker Rhian Skirving, a friend of musician Tim Minchin, thought that making a film about the progression of his career would be interesting. Much of the success of this film is due to the high level of access she had to Minchin’s life over a three-year period, from obscurity to stardom. Little did she know that he was on the verge of international success, and that he would also be facing considerable personal challenges.
Early footage of a practically unknown Minchin, reveals a ginger-haired geek performing a musical act with a slight comical tone at a small Melbourne cabaret venue. Though funny, the lasting impression is that he’s an utter dag. But there is the glimmer of what he will become.
After a makeover, Minchin looks less like Ron Howard and more like Russell Brand. His kohl-rimmed eyes and long, teased and gelled hair give him a renewed vigour and confidence, and his act undergoes an edgy transformation: with the focus on comedy, and the music as a vehicle for conveying it.
During this time, he travels to Edinburgh, where he is a great success. But he learns that success is not without its drawbacks, and that it offers no protection from personal setbacks and challenging circumstances.
The combination of Rhian’s filming, with private, candid to-camera confidences by Minchin, results in a surprisingly thorough (and often embarrassing and painful) depiction of Minchin’s life during that time. Thankfully, behind his new image, lurk the insecurities of an ordinary man, and a reasonable amount of openness about his experiences. The main criticism (and it’s a minor one), is that it would have been interesting to observe more of his transformation from geek to musical comedian, since it is apparent that the changes that accompany it are widespread.
This film will, no doubt, appeal to Minchin’s numerous fans, but because of its intimacy and honesty, it shouldn’t be overlooked by people who aren’t necessarily fans of his work.
Aside from anything else, Rock’n ‘Roll Nerd is a testament to the impact of serendipity in documentary filmmaking.