The Remarkable Mr Kaye (2005) : Synopsis

THE REMARKABLE MR KAYE is a portrait, a blatantly biased portrait, by the filmmaker Paul Cox of Norman Kaye, actor, musician and compassionate lover of life.

Norman Kaye and Paul Cox first met in Melbourne in 1967. Norman, music teacher and ‘after hours’ actor, and Paul, stills photographer, discovered in each other a mutual desire to explore their ideas and dreams through film. So began a 36 year working relationship that ceased only as the curtains of Alzheimer’s disease gradually closed around Norman.

There are few films by Paul Cox that are without some significant contribution, on-screen or off, by Norman Kaye. Whether as lead actor or in a supporting rôle; as composer or as performer, Norman influenced everyone around him with his guileless enthusiasm and humour.

With stills, film extracts and personal memories, Paul Cox has created a moving film portrait of an extraordinary collaboration and rare friendship. THE REMARKABLE MR KAYE is a homage to a friend - to a friendship and a creative partnership that has shaped and changed his life.