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Biographical documentary

Mystify: Michael Hutchence (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Mystify: Michael Hutchence (2020) movie poster

Mystify: Michael Hutchence is a 2020 biographical documentary directed by Richard Lowenstein, starring Michael Hutchence, INXS and Bob Geldof. It runs 1 hour 42 minutes and earned $1.2 million worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.

IMDb rating
7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$1.2M
Echo Score
75
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Mystify: Michael Hutchence (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 42m (102 min)
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Mystify: Michael Hutchence About?

The premise of Mystify: Michael Hutchence without spoilers.

This documentary offers an intimate portrait of Michael Hutchence, the iconic lead singer of INXS, using a remarkable collection of personal film footage. It explores his captivating stage presence and extraordinary vocal talent, charting his ascent to international fame. As his career flourishes, the film also delves into the pressures of success and the creative struggles that ultimately impacted his well-being, leading to a tragic and devastating event.

Mystify: Michael Hutchence Themes & Keywords

· 15 tags
  • brain damage
  • australian man
  • rock star
  • male suicide
  • documentary subject's name in title
  • depression
  • 1990s
  • australian in uk
  • famous singer
  • archive footage
  • retrospective
  • 1980s
+3 more
  • reference to grunge music
  • reference to queen the band
  • music documentary
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Cast & crew

Mystify: Michael Hutchence Cast

Michael Hutchence leads the cast, with INXS and Bob Geldof. Directed by Richard Lowenstein; 5 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Mystify: Michael Hutchence

· 1 more
From the director

More from Richard Lowenstein

More films directed by Richard Lowenstein, best-rated first: Dogs in Space, Mystify: Michael Hutchence, Autoluminescent: Rowland S. Howard and We’re Livin’ on Dog Food.

Full filmography
Ratings

Mystify: Michael Hutchence Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Mystify: Michael Hutchence 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 73 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (60).

75 /100

Mystify: Michael Hutchence Echo Score Breakdown

Mystify: Michael Hutchence presents a moving and thoughtfully assembled portrait of the late singer, balancing rare archival footage and personal recollections with a meditative pace. Critics praise its lyrical editing and emotional resonance while some viewers find the emphasis on personal relationships uneven and the pacing slightly aloof. The documentary’s evocative visuals and intimate interviews coalesce into a respectful tribute. Despite occasional lapses in narrative depth, it offers a compelling and affectionate portrait of a troubled artist.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, Mystify is meticulously edited and visually coherent, with archival footage woven into a cohesive narrative flow. The direction emphasizes atmospheric pacing and measured transitions, yielding a lyrical quality. Production design remains true to era-specific detail while editing choices reinforce emotional beats. Overall, the film’s craft elevates the material with subtle artistry.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When it comes to character and emotion, Mystify delivers poignant insights through interviews and personal reflections that convey Hutchence’s charisma and vulnerability. The emotional resonance emerges from candid recollections and understated performances in archival clips. Some viewers, however, note a lack of deeper exploration of his inner motivations. Altogether, the portrait remains emotionally engaging and respectful.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, the documentary offers a generally clear chronology of Hutchence’s life but occasionally dwells on personal anecdotes at the expense of narrative propulsion. Pacing is deliberate though some segments feel uneven, and early biographical details receive less attention than later years. Overall, the film provides an informative yet sometimes meandering account.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    When evaluating sensory experience, Mystify excels in integrating a warm score and authentic sound design with archival performance footage. The soundtrack selections underscore emotional moments, and the visual palette combines grainy concert clips with polished interview setups. While cohesion occasionally falters between different media formats, the overall effect remains immersive and evocative of Hutchence’s era.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    In terms of rewatch factor, Mystify offers strong appeal for enthusiasts of Hutchence’s music and fans of rock documentaries. The wealth of rare footage and heartfelt interviews invites repeat viewings, though viewers seeking fresh revelations may find diminishing returns on subsequent watches. Ultimately, the film maintains a lasting appeal through its emotional honesty and archival depth.

Box office

Mystify: Michael Hutchence Box Office

Mystify: Michael Hutchence grossed $1.2 million worldwide. $289,573 came from the US and Canada and $885,169 (75%) from the rest of the world.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.2M

US & Canada
$289.6K
International
$885.2K
US & Canada 25% Rest of the world 75%
Videos

Mystify: Michael Hutchence Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 clip.

Mystify Michael Hutchence - Official Trailer
  • Clip Mystify Michael Hutchence - Kylie Official Clip

Seen Mystify: Michael Hutchence?

FAQ

Mystify: Michael Hutchence FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Mystify: Michael Hutchence, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Mystify: Michael Hutchence?

Mystify: Michael Hutchence runs 1 hour 42 minutes (102 minutes).

When was Mystify: Michael Hutchence released?

Mystify: Michael Hutchence was released on January 7, 2020.

Who directed Mystify: Michael Hutchence?

Mystify: Michael Hutchence was directed by Richard Lowenstein.

More films by Richard Lowenstein

Who is in the cast of Mystify: Michael Hutchence?

Mystify: Michael Hutchence stars Michael Hutchence, INXS and Bob Geldof, among 5 credited actors.

How much did Mystify: Michael Hutchence make at the box office?

Mystify: Michael Hutchence grossed $1.2 million worldwide ($289,573 domestic, $885,169 international).

How is Mystify: Michael Hutchence rated?

Mystify: Michael Hutchence has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73 on Metacritic and 72% on TMDB.

Does Mystify: Michael Hutchence have a post-credit scene?

No. Mystify: Michael Hutchence has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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