Shine

In the opening scene we see the seemingly mad adult David hurrying down a rainy street, cigarette clamped firmly between his lips despite the constant non-sensical mutterings coming from his mouth.. He finally stops outside a restaurant (closing for the evening) where he has spotted a piano. Pounding persistently on the window , he is let in by the owner who is charmed (somewhat ) by his torrent of words, she drops him back to his home and later on in the film plays an important role in helping to salvage his broken life.

The scene then reverts to the 1950s where we see David as a young boy playing the piano at a local competition, with his feet barely touching the pedals and his father watching over sternly. David's father (Armin Mueller-Stahl), a stern, Jewish man, hardened by the Holocaust and whose all encompassing, claustrophobic love for David allows no room for failure, plays a huge part in David's mental demise.

David's exceptional talent does not go unnoticed particularly by piano teacher Mr. Rosen,(who tutors him for free) and a local benefactress who becomes David's great friend. He is offered a scholarship to study in America. but his father, flatly refuses to allow David to take it up, saying that he will be breaking up the family if he accepts. Another opportunity to study abroad arises in the guise of a scholarship to the Royal Academy, London and in one of his rare defiant moods, David accepts, where upon his father virtually disowns him.

In London, David achieves his musical pinnacle (under the tutelage of Sir John Gieguld), playing the monumental Rachmaninoff Concerto No.3. In a single , brilliant performance he suffers a complete mental breakdown and winds up in a mental institution back in Australia.

David's recovery is a slow process but in the last few scenes he manages to piece together his broken life with the love and support of his new found friends and wife and whose influence helps to return him back to the concert hall. It's a moving scene where old ghosts are finally laid to rest and some semblance of normality is regained.

Shine, is an elegantly directed film with a bitter sweet story line. Geoffrey Rush, gives a highly commendable performance as the elderly David, given the complexity of the character. Ultimately, it is a charming film, with some very fine acting and a beautiful music score.

Reviewed by Angela Collins

FILM FACTS IN BRIEF
Directed by Scott Hicks
Produced by Jane Scott
Starring : Armin Mueller-Stahl, Geoffrey Rush, Noah Taylor, Lynn Redgrave, Sir John Gielgud
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