Close-up of the post-punk icons in a film as rebellious and uncompromising as its heroes. Screening as part of Beat Weekend 2024.
Mutiny in Heaven: The Birthday Party
- Date:
- 14 Sep 2024,
19:00–20:30
- Age restrictions
- 18+
2023, Ian White
Australia
86 minutes, English with Russian subtitles
Documentary
“Dirty horror show.” “Grave, visceral vocals.” Music critics of the turn of the 1980s were seriously intimidated by the recordings of the Australians The Birthday Party, and especially by their hideous, almost otherworldly concerts. After travelling to England and America, the band settled in West Berlin, but soon broke up, exhausted by their addictions and self-destructive performances.
![](https://cdn.v-a-c.org/v-a-c-static/store/verstkaimage/material_translation-5974/image_desktop/ef152c055de51eb40b5e72769a4d57a1_small.jpg)
Shot from Mutiny in Heaven: The Birthday Party, 2023
Well worth seeing both for aficionados and, perhaps more so, those who only know Nick Cave’s vast body of subsequent work.
— Mark Demetrius, FilmInk Australia
Ian White’s film thoroughly traces the history of the Australian post-punk sensation. And even more importantly, its unbridled style in everything, from camera work to editing, channels the deadpan frenzy that was The Birthday Party.