Written by Ethan. Illustration by Mischa.
The mystery surrounding a figure such as Nick Cave makes 20,000 Days On Earth a surprisingly revealing look into both his creative and personal life. This semi-fictionalised, pseudo-documentary features Cave living his 20,000th day on Earth with everything from a visit to his archive to jamming song ideas with The Bad Seeds.
While this is a film about a musician, don’t go in with the expectation that you’ll be watching a recording diary. There’s certainly a lot of music to be enjoyed here, but as the film illustrates, a musician is much more than his music. Cave’s day begins with an appointment with his psychologist, and with this meeting we’re given a look into the mind of the man rather than the artist. One of the central points of their discussion are the responsibilities and fears he has constantly weighing on him. He feels responsible as an artist, a father, a husband, and a friend, but he welcomes these responsibilities for the experiences they bring. This leads him to admitting that his greatest fear is losing his memory. However, he’d only have to watch this film to reclaim most of it. The written anecdotes, recollections, and images found in his personal archive paint a relatively detailed picture of his first 19,999 days.
The way these personal insights are weaved throughout the film is what separates it from other music documentaries. Cave narrates most of the film with dialogue that is as evocative as his lyrics, and it reads like the diary of an artist who is never switched off. Car rides serve as transitions between the events of film, and feature cameos from friends and colleagues. This is all putting aside the impressive cinematography and editing, which has deservedly won some awards. Not only is the film a joy to look at, it’s a joy to listen to.
The only suitable artist to soundtrack this journey is someone who has been integral to Cave’s music for the past 20 years. Warren Ellis, Cave’s closest musical confidante, has created a beautiful ambient soundtrack that is ever-present throughout the film. It’s cerebral loops and odd instrumentation adds a distinct atmosphere to each scene. The only time it isn’t present is when Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are performing. Dynamic renditions of Jubilee Street and Higgs Boson Blues from companion album Push The Sky Away serve as a reminder of why many are watching this film in the first place. Directors Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard clearly know that the deepest insight into the creative side of Cave can only be accessed through watching him on stage. His ability to perform so so passionately is second only to his ability to stir up that same passion within the audience.
This is recommended viewing not just for Nick Cave fans, but for any artist interested in refining their own creative process.
20,000 Days on Earth was released in 2014.
