Family photographs explain a lot,as do the recollections of his siblings,Tina and Rhett.
In these snapshots,their parents,Kell and Patricia,present a study in cultivated glamour. He was a businessman based in Hong Kong for a while,she was a former model and from all accounts,their social life left them little time with their children.
After the family’s return to Australia,the marriage broke up and,at one point,Patricia made a breathtaking decision,taking Michael off to Los Angeles for 18 months and leaving his distraught younger brother,Rhett,with a babysitter from Dial-an-Angel.
During their absence,Rhett recalls,he had seven babysitters,the last of whom was taking drugs. Michael was always the chosen one,their older sister,Tina,says,while Rhett was designated the black sheep. And so,an indelible streak of guilt was added to the complexities that shaped Hutchence’s character.
He had a sense of humour about himself. The key to his success onstage,he claimed,was his shortsightedness. The audience was just a blur. Hence,he was spared stage fright. But it’s hard to believe. Like Elton John – another shy boy seduced by the siren song of a clamouring audience – he made the stage his home,swaggering bare-chested,microphone in hand,long hair swinging about his face.
Women liked as well as loved him. His second girlfriend,Michele Bennett,was with him for five years before his non-stop touring schedule forced them apart and they remained friends until the end. Kylie Minogue loved him for his curiosity about the world and the joy he took in watching her experience a new discovery,whether it be in wine,food or art. And it’s clear from their home movies that he and Helena Christensen took great delight in being together.
It was the assault that ended their relationship. The resulting mood swings and rages changed him,she says,and his depression eventually defeated her.
Paula Yates gave him the family he craved but there was a heavy price to pay in the turbulence that surrounded her.
The consensus is that loneliness killed him – a theory borne out by the portrait Lowenstein has drawn so fondly and so well. The film is a tribute to a man who never made his peace with fame and never quite forgave himself for needing it.
For help or information visitbeyondblue.org.au,call Suicide Helpline Victoria on 1300 651 251,or Lifeline on 131 114.