"Kylie" with Michael Harte

Michael Harte had never been a guest on Top Docs, but he’s been called out repeatedly by the likes of Davis Guggenheim (Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie and Deaf President Now!) and Fisher Stevens (Beckham) as one of the best editors working in documentaries today. Now Michael finally joins Mike to discuss Kylie, his three-part Netflix series about the life, loves and creative growth of pop icon Kylie Minogue. Harte both directed and edited this project, which he likens to “being the prosecution and the defense at the same time.” Harte explains how an unplanned morning at Kylie’s house, where he spotted a room full of archive boxes, unlocked the series’ structure and point of view. Mike and Michael trace Kylie’s path from Neighbours stardom to recording in London at 19. Harte describes his approach to interviews: he didn’t speak with contributors before filming, so Kylie’s ex-boyfriend Jason Donovan and producer Pete Waterman told their stories fresh and with real candor. The conversation then turns to the influence of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, the uproar over her 1991 tour launch in Ireland, and her pivot toward indie credibility. Harte recalls being nervous before interviewing Nick Cave, who turned out to be playful and generous and helped carry the second episode, including the rarely seen footage of Kylie reciting “I Should Be So Lucky” at the 1997 Poetry Olympics. The final episode focuses on Kylie’s fight with cancer, the fan letters and family support that sustained her, and her determination to get back on stage. Mentioned: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beckham-with-fisher-stevens/id1584498043?i=1000630859563 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anatomy-of-a-scene-from-beckham-with-fisher-stevens/id1584498043?i=1000665986938 The Presenting Sponsor of "Top Docs" is Netflix. Hidden Gem: The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters Follow: @topdocspod on Instagram and X