Shine (1996)

Pianist David Helfgott, driven by his father and teachers, has a breakdown. Years later he returns to the piano, to popular if not critical acclaim.

Director:

Scott Hicks

Writers:

Jan Sardi (screenplay), Scott Hicks (story)

Stars:

Geoffrey Rush, Justin Braine, Sonia Todd

Won 1 Oscar. Another 43 wins & 36 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Geoffrey Rush	...	David Helfgott - Adult
Justin Braine	...	Tony
Sonia Todd	...	Sylvia
Chris Haywood	...	Sam
Alex Rafalowicz	...	David Helfgott - Child
Gordon Poole	...	Eisteddfod Presenter
Armin Mueller-Stahl	...	Peter
Nicholas Bell	...	Ben Rosen
Danielle Cox	...	Suzie - Child
Rebecca Gooden	...	Margaret
Marta Kaczmarek	...	Rachel
John Cousins	...	Jim Minogue
Noah Taylor	...	David Helfgott - Adolescent
Paul Linkson	...	State Champion Announcer
Randall Berger	...	Isaac Stern

Storyline

Based on the true story of Australian pianist David Helfgott, this delightful movie charts the traumatic early years through adulthood. Telling the story in flashback we see David as a child prodigy and as he grows up while his patriarchal father abuses him and his siblings with the memory of his childhood in Europe and the loss of his family in the concentration camps. David finally breaks away from his father and goes away to study overseas, he later suffers a breakdown and returns to Australia and a life in an institution. Many years later he is released and through several twists of fate (in reality even more unlikely than film portrays) he starts playing a piano in a bar before finally returning to the concert hall.

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Plot Keywords:

pianist | piano | abuse | concert | concert hall | 

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Taglines:

A father whose life was his family. A son whose music was his life.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for nudity/sensuality and intense thematic elements

Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 November 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Claroscuro

Filming Locations:

Adelaide Botanic Gardens & Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Box Office

Budget:

$5,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£702,400 (UK) (17 January 1997)

Gross:

$35,811,509 (USA) (30 May 1997)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Australian Film Finance Corporation (AFFC), Film Victoria, South Australian Feature Film Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Dustin Hoffman expressed interest in playing David Helfgott, as his music and life story have both moved him.

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Goofs

In the film, the character shows all signs of schizophrenia; not bipolar disorder (formerly known as "manic-depressive disorder"), as is claimed in the film. Furthermore, David Helfgott, in person, displays many symptoms of schizophrenia and none of bipolar disorder.

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Quotes

David: Would you marry me?
Gillian: Well, it wouldn't be very practical, David.
David: Practical? No, of course not. Of course not. But then neither am I, Gillian. Neither am I. I'm not very practical at all.
Sylvia: You'll miss the plane!
Gillian: It's sweet of you, David. I don't know what to say.
David: The stars, Gillian darling! Ask the stars!

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Crazy Credits

Himself: hand double for Geoffrey Rush

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Connections

Referenced in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: The Wrap Party (2006)

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Soundtracks

"Hungarian Rhapsody No 2 In C Sharp Minor"
Composed by Franz Liszt
Performed by David Helfgott

User Reviews

excellent film, good in all departments, seriously moving

This is a good film in every sense but will mean most to fathers with strong views :).

The story of a brilliant young pianist whose relationship with his father drives him to some sort of mental illness. Watchable, absorbing, brilliantly edited, deeply seriously moving, one of the rare films that pays attention to incidental sound. Wonderful direction and acting. This is a seriously good film.