Shine

Shine is based on the true story of Australian pianist David Helfgott. The story is told via flashbacks and we see David as he grows up and becomes a child prodigy, how his family struggles with life after World War II and are the victims of an abusive father . David finally escapes his father and goes away to study overseas. After suffering a breakdown and returns to Australia and a life in an institution. He has suffered from schizoaffective disorder and years after leaving the institution he starts playing a piano again in a bar and then finally returns to the concert hall. Geoffrey Rush won an Oscar® for his extraordinary portrayal of David Helfgott.

takepart with the National Alliance on Mental Illness

Here is Geoffrey Rush’s screen test for the film (it is jumpy for the first few seconds but then it is fine!)

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