20,000 Days on Earth [2014]

Posted on September 14, 2014 by Jordan Dodd

Directed By Ian Forsyth and Jane Pollard

Written By Nick Cave, Ian Forsyth and Jane Pollard

Any creative person needs to see this. Musician, writer, anything, if this film doesn’t inspire you, then it will surely influence. Personally, Cave’s very frank and fascinating philosophies on the creative process were stirring, moving even, especially when one of these ideas is laid out in the narration and followed by a very up close and personal live performance. Or, a ten minute, uninterrupted sequence of the band jamming out a song. It was in that latter scene you can see the conducting skills Cave possesses, as while playing the piano he is leading the band into the song’s dips and crescendos. This look into the journey an idea goes on until it becomes a story, or a song in this instance, is almost intimate and extremely honest, while still managing not to spill too many beans. The unconventional nature of the film helps this aspect.

I really do think that if you write or create in any way, watch this film as soon as you can. I’m having to stop myself from going to see it again three days after i saw it. Note: this is not a documentary, but it isn’t a movie either, as you’d normally think of it anyways. This film is most certainly unique, and one of the most thought provoking pieces of art that I ever ever seen, read or heard. Even his conversation with pop-singer Kylie Minogue (sp?) was interesting, as they candidly discuss different issues related to performing on a stage.

There is not much action physically, but the way Cave is so spiritual about how he see and treats the creative process makes every second riveting. The film is also superbly shot, and on occasion Cave’s narration become almost lyrical in nature, which just made him that much better to listen to. I was not a fan of Cave or his music before seeing this, so I don’t feel that this is a requirement in any way either; although this film most certainly has turned me into a fan of his.

I didn’t want this one to end. For me, this was inspiring on a level that I have never felt before.

10/10 – I cannot think of anything wrong with this.