This film uses Beethoven's music not as filler by which to emotionally charge the visual image, but instead reverses these common roles and turns the images into actions of the music. It is this one very striking feature that makes this movie...
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This film uses Beethoven's music not as filler by which to emotionally charge the visual image, but instead reverses these common roles and turns the images into actions of the music. It is this one very striking feature that makes this movie worthy of 4 stars. Visually it's not stunning in the classical sense, but the visual images following the music are moving, sweeping, dramatic events, that touch the very fibers of our being.
Gary Oldman, as Beethoven is exceptionally good. His portrayal of one of the best known composers is, I'm sure, fully of artist interpretations, but for this film it is exactly what was needed.
The dialog is exceptional and straight to the point.
The direction is clear and clean, which it had better be do to the complex nature of following the score.
Not a good first date movie, as Beethoven is more like Andrew Marvell when it comes to romance...things just don't seem to always work the way he wants. But for those in a committed relationship, this would be a good film to cuddle up and watch.