In 1996, a movie portraying the true-life story of pianist David Helfgott became a box-office hit. Actor Geoffrey Rush, who played the part of David, won an Oscar for his sympathetic, moving and convincing performance. The annual book Video Movie Guide applauds his interpretation of "deeply troubled Australian piano prodigy David Helfgott, who suffered a crippling nervous breakdown on the verge of international fame." The film was "Shine."
The film made a considerable contribution to public understanding and appreciation of David and his achievements. It revealed the human story underlying the emergence, disappearance, and re-emergence of a musician critically acclaimed as a genius.
Born to Polish Jewish parents in Melbourne, Australia, in 1947, David was placed before a keyboard at a very early age. The family moved to Perth, Western Australia, when he was 5. An earnest child, outwardly accepting the disciplines of parents and the piano, he applied himself seriously to music.