At
the 2005 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, no-one's heard of Tim Minchin,
a young musician who in a last ditch attempt to get noticed decides to give comedy
a go. He needs to start to make an income if his childhood sweetheart, now his
wife, is to get her way and start a family. This will be his last try before he'll
have to get a day job.
After a dramatic image change, his self-produced
solo show catches the attention of Edinburgh producer Karen Koren, wins him the
surprise Director's Choice award and an offer of a coveted spot at the Edinburgh
Arts Festival. He takes it. Our camera goes with him.
Even for the big league
players Edinburgh is the most competitive comedy festival in the world.
Tim
was a complete unknown. He was deliciously naïve. He was a hit.
After
the most successful first season of any performer in the history of Edinburgh
Tim walks away with the prestigious Perrier Newcomer Award, TV appearances, offers
from Hollywood and the West End, the best management in the business and a gig
at Albert Hall. Now everyone wants a piece of him.
He arrives home to Melbourne
a hero with all the pressures of the 'second album syndrome' to contend with as
he writes his next show. Can he live up to the hype?
It's not long before
he's saying good-bye to the safety and comfort of Melbourne for London to find
out if the UK industry buzz is hot air or the sure beginnings of a long career.
Will his talent be enough? Will his wife get the family she so desperately wants?
Can the marriage survive the maelstrom of new pressures? Can the rise continue?
For
the first time in his life he has somewhere to fall.
Filmed over three tumultuous
years by a close friend, 'Rock n Roll Nerd' is an intimate tale of love and ambition
and a rare record of the very first steps in a brilliant career.
DVD
Special Features:
- Extra performances from Melbourne 2006.
- Never before
seen footage of Tim writing a musical
- Deleted scenes from the film and more.
Release
Date: 06/05/2009
Languages: English
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 89.0
mins
Format: DVD, All Regions (PAL)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Widescreen Full Height
Anamorphic
Catalogue: MMA2767
'Rock & Roll Nerd' is available
now through Madman.