An unconventional documentary suitably covers the life and music of the unconventional Nick Cave in the mesmerising 20,000 Days on Earth.

Documentaries on musicians have become the new biopic: Oscar bait vehicles that utilise the same style and techniques to the point of ho-hum familiarity.

Any documentary on Nick Cave was not going to follow the beaten path.  Like him or loathe him, there is no denying that as an artist and a man he is cut from a different, black drenched, cloth.

Directors Iain Forsyt and Jane Pollard know just that fact, and from the opening rapid ticks of time that counts up to Cave’s 20,000th day on this planet, it is clear where in for a different kind of journey: part documentary, part drama, part audio visual patch work and all around engrossing look at the myth and music of a dark soul and his many complexities.

Where most subjects in these kinds of documentaries are content as interview heads (or not involved at all), Cave dives headfirst and upfront on his own life story. It’s his narration, his performance, and his writing that guides us through his life and art as told throughout the setting of one day, his 20,000th, beginning with the click-clack of the typewriter and ending with a thundering performance at the Sydney Opera House.

In between are a series of discussions between Cave and a number of people who had a strong impact in his life. There is his long time writing partner Warren Ellis. Pop princess Kylie Minogue appears to talk about their hugely successful collaboration “Where the Wild Roses Grow”. Even Cave’s sometime collaborator, actor Ray Winstone appears, bringing that gruff personality seen in many of his on-screen portrayals.

These scenes border on the surreal, presented as part performance and part insight into a man of many complexities – with religion, with his father, with his past exploits – yet also of intense dedication not only as an artist, but as a family man. Nick Cave might be the “Prince of Darkness”, but he’s also a father and husband too.

Of course a healthy appreciation of Nick Cave’s music is also needed to enjoy what 20,000 Days… has to offer, with behind the scenes footage of Cave’s recent album “Push the Sky Away” and live performances featured throughout.

Overall what’s taken from 20,000 Days… is that Cave is a man who lives to create, with his greatest creation that of himself, or at least what we believe him to be. 20,000 Days on Earth does a great job in creating an intimate portrait, while also hyping the legend.