Mystify: Michael Hutchence

The documentary 'Mystify: Michael Hutchence' delves deeper into the captivating life of the Australian rock singer Michael Hutchence, best known as the lead vocalist of the highly successful and iconic rock band INXS. Born in 1959 in Sydney, Australia, Hutchence began his musical journey at a young age, eventually finding his true calling as the face and voice of INXS. Throughout his life and career, Hutchence's personal story has become intertwined with the mythology that surrounds INXS. Their massive success, marked by energetic live performances and hit singles, catapulted the band to fame in the 1980s and beyond, captivating audiences worldwide. However, beneath the surface of their rockstar image, Hutchence grappled with a complex, emotional life filled with intense relationships, substance abuse, and existential despair. 'Mystify: Michael Hutchence' offers a deeply personal portrait of Hutchence, one that strips away the glamor of fame to reveal a multi-faceted individual struggling to navigate his inner demons. Director Richard Lowenstein delves into the singer's tumultuous relationships, including the intense bond he shared with actress and model Kylie Minogue and his later relationship with model Paula Yates. Hutchence's relationships often came with a sense of possessiveness and dependency that he could not shake off. His relationship with Paula Yates, a former MTV host who had three children from a previous marriage to musician Bob Geldof, became a source of both comfort and chaos. In the years that followed, their bond continued to fuel Hutchence's music, with many of INXS's hits reflecting the emotions and turmoil of his deeply felt love for Yates. One of the key aspects that 'Mystify' explores in depth is Hutchence's creative process and the way music was his primary form of expression. Through extensive interviews with those closest to him, including INXS bandmates, friends, and family, the documentary reveals the intricate dynamics that drove Hutchence's artistic vision. His music served as a release for the pain and turmoil he felt on an inner level, a method of channeling the turmoil into an aesthetic that has captivated audiences. As the story progresses, we witness Hutchence's intense personal struggles, including his struggle with depression and substance abuse. This internal conflict often threatened to undermine his life and relationships. The strain on his relationships grew as Hutchence became increasingly withdrawn, his demons taking a toll not just on himself but on those around him, including those he loved. The years leading up to Hutchence's untimely death in 1997 are a poignant reminder of his tragic vulnerability. His personal and professional life had become increasingly complicated. Hutchence's inner turmoil was a major driving force behind his creative output, influencing many of INXS's biggest hits. In the end, his deep emotional turmoil took a devastating toll on his life, and the music world lost one of its most compelling voices. Richard Lowenstein's documentary offers a candid and compassionate portrayal of a deeply complicated individual who was never fully understood or truly known during his lifetime. The complex, enigmatic persona of Michael Hutchence is now more accessible than ever, thanks to 'Mystify', a poignant tribute that humanizes the rockstar and strips away the myth to reveal a multidimensional individual with a rich inner life.