The film, fully authorized by the band’s surviving members and estates, provides a glimpse into another dimension and goes deep inside the psyche and experiences of the band members to chronicle how, over a ten-year period, a group of Australian school friends, led by Nick Cave, jolted audiences awake into Dionysian frenzy with their confrontational, intense performances.
“It was frightening at times…it was insane what was going on…it was just f**king crazy…” -Rowland S. Howard on The Birthday Party.
“Mutiny In Heaven” features never-before-seen archival live music footage and photos, as well never before heard interviews, divulging shocking behind the scenes stories, as it tracks the band’s arc from breakthrough to break-up. During its chaotic heyday in the 70s and 80s, the band consisted of Nick Cave, Mick Harvey, Tracy Pew, Rowland S. Howard and Phill Calvert. After forming in Melbourne and relocating to London, the band became known for darkly unpredictable performances, characterized by primal screams and manic sound and energy – before fiery tensions led to its dramatic self-destruction. While The Birthday Party only released a few albums in its brief run, it established a legacy as one of the greatest musical live acts of all-time, and significantly influenced many modern musical artists.
Director Ian White has helmed theatrical features and broadcast content in over 15 countries, receiving a number of awards along the way. As a former music industry art director, he worked with a diverse range of acts from Kylie Minogue to The Butthole Surfers. Having witnessed The Birthday Party perform live in its heyday, he had no hesitation when the band approached him to direct this project.
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