Watch Hello I Am David!

Hello I Am David! is a heartfelt 2015 documentary that follows the life story of famous Australian pianist David Helfgott. Directed by Cosima Lange, the movie introduces the world to David's journey from being a child prodigy to becoming one of the world's most acclaimed pianists. The documentary starts by recounting David's early years in Western Australia, where he grew up in a dysfunctional family. However, despite the adversity, he showed a deep interest in music and particularly in the piano. With the encouragement of his father Peter Helfgott, David started attending music classes and soon became a child prodigy.

The movie then proceeds to chronicle David's time in London, where he was admitted to the prestigious Royal College of Music. However, the pressure of competition and his parent's overbearing attitude caused David's mental health to deteriorate, resulting in a nervous breakdown. Consequently, he was admitted to a mental institution in London.

The documentary highlights David's difficult journey to recovery, which took several years. After his release from the institution, David moved to Australia and reverted to his passion for music. He started performing in small venues and was soon discovered by Australian director Scott Hicks, who featured his life story in the 1996 Oscar-winning movie Shine.

The documentary also sheds light on David's unconventional style of performing, which includes vocalizing and unconventional body movements while playing the piano. Special attention is given to his unique musical interpretations of intricate classical pieces, which have won him praise from critics and fans worldwide.

Hello I Am David! is also a tribute to Gillian Helfgott, David's wife, and manager, who supported him throughout his journey. Gillian discusses how she gave up her own music career to support David and how the couple has been together for over 30 years.

In the latter part of the movie, the viewers are introduced to Matthias Foremny, David's student and protégé. The documentary highlights how David's philosophy of music transcends traditional pedagogical methods, as he seeks to teach Matthias not just the notes of a composition but also the emotional and psychological impact of music.

Overall, Hello I Am David! is a moving documentary that showcases the incredible resilience and talent of an exceptional individual. The movie aptly captures the spirit of David's philosophy, which is to connect with people through music, rather than being limited by the constraints of conventional formalities. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the transformative power of music and the strength of the human spirit.

Hello I Am David! is a 2015 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.