Michael Hutchence: indie film role as 'Clive' in Limp, 1999 | Alternate scenes

One of the lesser known and many projects MH has worked on. From the unreleased film "Limp" (1999). Written and directed by Duane Lavold, AKA Custom behind hits like 'Hey Mister' and 'Beat Me' [ • Custom "Beat Me" ] and radio fame from debut album “Fast” (released 2002). RIP. The Edmonton-born performer, whose creative endeavours included directing INXS frontman Michael Hutchence and shooting his own videos, recently passed on Dec. 18th, 2021, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a trip to Greece. He was 54.
Lavold spent the latter part of the 1990s as an independent filmmaker. His short “Loafing” earned an audience award at the 1997 Slamdance Film Festival, leading him to connect with INXS singer Hutchence who starred in his feature directorial debut “Limp.”
But Hutchence’s sudden passing and [accidental] suicide shortly after filming threw a shadow over “Limp,” and though completed, the independent project was never released.
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By Dale Paget
In his final performance he almost seemed to have a premonition of his own death. Less than a month before his bizarre death in a Sydney hotel, Michael Hutchence secretly took part in a film that seems to have foreshadowed the tragedy in which he took his own life. In the rock film Limp. He delivers a series of haunting lines on suicide, playing a powerful character who is obsessed with the chilling subject.
Only now has New Idea uncovered the extraordinary details of Michael's last film role. While his lover at the time Paula Yates knew of his commitment to the project, he went to great lengths to keep his involvement in the independently made film hush-hush.
After his shock death and the Coroner's verdict, the movie's producers went into hiding to complete the project in Hollywood, fearing accusations that the volatile content of his role may have influenced the rocker.
Incredibly, Michael's screen role is laced with references to suicide. His character says Nirvana lead vocalist Kurt Cobain was great because his suicide increased record sales. "It was brilliant on his part," says Michael in the movie. "Otherwise he would have ended up just another flavour of the month, flavour of the day, whatever."
In another scene Michael screams at a musician: "Give me one good reson why you shouldn't kill yourself! Alive and healthy with nothing to live for, it's all been done before."
Then he adds quietly: "That's where the scary place is..."
Michael took extensive notes about his character. Filmmaker Duane Lavold, who is Limp's star, writer and director, says: "Michael was passionate. We talked about every line of his dialogue."
With the numerous references to suicide, the role has uncanny similarities to Michael's death.
Significantly, he chose the film because his role held enormous appeal to him. He was seeking a movie career and had already turned down a part in the Aussie hit Priscilla Queen in the Desert because of singing and band engagements.
Co-producer Heidi Lavold - who introduced Mihael to the movie recalls:
"He did so with such heart and truth, it's eerie. You think it almost reflects reality. But it doesn't."
Now Limp, which is being tipped to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival in May 1999, will be dedicated to the memory of the tragic singer. Two of his songs from the soundtrack are also in prodution.
Heidi hopes the movie will give Tiger Lily - the baby daughter Michael adored - a vision of Michael just weeks before his death. "He looks wonderful," Heidi says. "She can see him in life, in colour and on film."
Dressed in black, Michael walks into a nightclub with grace and intensity. His black hair is waving, his body is twisting and his dark eyes are still captivating. There is no sign of depression or anxiety.
Actor and co-producer Robby Sutton also looks forward to the singer's family and friends being able to see him the big screen. Robby says: "He is living on in this film and he was so real, so good that they will be proud of him."
Limp is a romantic comedy drama about a musician who becomes impotent when his dream crashes. Michael has a key role as a jaded record producer.
Michael flew himself to Limp's filming location in Vancouver, Canada, where he acted without payment and paid for his hotel and his expenses.
Duane Lavold recalls Michael as being positive, taking his part seriously while joking and playing guitar with the cast and crew between takes.
Duane says: "The obvious thing is that people will say that the movie made him think of suicide. But Michael thought what Cobain did was wrong." Not cowardice. Heidi Lavold adds that she recalls Michael talking about suicide only in relation to his movie character.