A little over 20 years ago, a film was released to Australian audiences; a story of a man who once was a relatively unknown piano player, finding a path following a severe mental breakdown.
Little did those involved know how big it would become. Shine has become one of the most successful Australian movies of all time.
It hastened David Helfgott’s exposure to the world stage even more than the climb he was already on, thanks to his unique take on classical music.
Now, Helfgott is a household name. He tours extensively throughout the country almost every year, tours Europe and the US regularly, and is still in constant demand at concert halls and schools everywhere.
But the eccentric, emotive and unique man portrayed in the film – a man who is internally warm, open and generous – is still at the core of what makes David Helfgott.
David’s wife, partner and carer Gillian Helfgott has been with him through all of it, and said the charisma Rush portrayed in those scenes has never left David.
“He’s known for being… slightly eccentric, let’s just say,” Ms Helfgott said.
“But more than that, David is one of the most friendly, engaging people you will ever meet. He’s not too worried about most things, he’s just happy to meet you. And I think Geoffrey captured that beautifully.”
The Helfgotts are about to embark on a wide-ranging Australian tour to celebrate two decades since the film’s release, and also to bring David’s distinctive style of playing to audiences once again.
“I think he was pretty amazed someone wanted to make something so big out of his life,” Ms Helfgott said on David’s reaction to the production of Shine.
“It was a lot to deal with at the start, a bit overwhelming. But I think in the end he was just happy to be able to share his life.”
In that, Ms Helfgott said, the film was a “huge boon” for David; not due to its success, but just because of how much of David’s life it exposed.
“Showing all those plusses and minuses [in his life], all those experience he had gone through, in a way it took a huge weight off of his own shoulders,” she said.
“David’s all about connecting with people, and communicating. That’s what his music is all about. So be able to tell his story to the world… he was very proud, and still is.”
David Helfgott plays at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on March 12.
Tickets and more information available at manpac.com.au or by calling the Box Office on 9550 3900.
