Featuring a chronological order that begins with his birth in England, John Farnham: Finding the Voice follows the career highs and lows of one of Australia’s best-known entertainers. It showcases his first fame as a teenage star then the lean middle years before finally arriving at the career triumphs in his later period.
Long known as one of our country’s finest singers, there is ample proof in the songs on display. Any who doubts the power of those pipes, there is a mid-film rendition of Amazing Grace that will have you mesmerized. A life lead in the public eye also helps and there is ample footage to help tell the story.
The filmmakers are generous with archival footage of many other musical acts that help set the musical climate of the times. This gives the film a wider appeal and helps to put Farnham’s contribution to the musical landscape in context. Additional impact is provided by commentary by the late Olivia Newton-John whose interviews crackle with emotion
Even though his name is in the film’s title, this work is as much about Glenn Wheatley as it is about John Farnham. Wheatley who died in 2022 from complications of Covid was both Farnham’s manager as well as his great friend and this work celebrates both men’s lives. This is a heartfelt gift to fans of the man as well as those with an interest in the Australian popular music scene.
Rob Hudson
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