The Thousands

Back in 2004, Tim Minchin was a ranga from Perth who wrote weird satirical songs that record companies didn’t know how to market. Then he had a makeover! (I love makeovers.) Rock’n'roll eyeliner! Chemically straightened hair teased up, like Russell Brand! Unbuttoned shirts! And get this: it totally worked!

Well, that’s the gist of Rock N Roll Nerd. It’s a documentary, but it just doesn’t play like one. How could writer/director Rhian Skirving possibly pick this absolute nobody, who’d never even seen a comedy show before he tried one, as a dead-set megastar? Especially since – I’ve gotta say it – I don’t think he’s that funny. Nice guy: definitely. Deft pianist and keen lyricist: absolutely. But no LOLs from me. Lots of bro-grabs from Eddie Perfect, though.

Rock N Roll Nerd does better as an intimate portrait of how creative careers affect a relationship. Rhian followed Tim and his wife Sarah for three years. She’s there when the pregnancy test turns out positive, and even in the labour room. She films the little things that show they love each other. It’s a real testament to chicks who dig nerds, even rock’n'roll ones.