A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Copying Beethoven

Date Viewed: 11/11/06

Details:

Diane Kruger (Anna Holtz)

Ralph Riach (Schlemmer)

Ed Harris (Louie)

Director: Agnieszka Holland

Score: ++

The Review: Imagine: 1824 (no, not because it's the year RPI opened). Vienna (see, not even the same continent). Beethoven is working on the final chorale movement of his ninth and final symphony. He needs a copyist (Xerox machines not having been invented yet, and besides, even Xerox machines cannot translate messy hand-scribbling). You have the opportunity to watch sublime art being created, indeed the opportunity to be, in some sense, its mid-wife. You are critical to the stunning premiere of the work. You can tell the composer that you understand the work, and actually convince him of your sincerity. Fantasy this may be, but imagine no more -- see Copying Beethoven.

That's just part of what transpires: there's much more to enjoy, occasional gems and aphorisms to chew on, and a tremendous spirit to absorb. The work that followed Beethoven's symphonic output (including the opus 133 Grosse Fuge that's featured sporadically throughout the film) was about to change the course of chamber music, and that too forms a crux. Just watching the performances and listening to the music will send chills down your spine and tears down your cheek. For that reason alone, this is a wonderful film. It doesn't hurt that it's seen through the eyes of a beautiful young woman (Kruger as Anna Holz). And it doesn't matter that this character is probably cinematic fiction; it works.

Ed Harris is wonderful in the role of Beethoven: crusty, earthy, grumpy, doting, unforgiving, outrageous, contentious, boisterous, unkempt, old, tired and mostly deaf -- altogether human, with an insistent inner voice that cannot be silenced. Kruger holds her own against this "force of nature." The film is peppered with interesting peripheral characters, like his next-door neighbor who only rarely gets to open her door and see the sunlight, but who wouldn't conceive of moving.

One of the comments attributed to him struck home: "...Silence is the key. The silence between the notes. And in the silence you can hear your own soul..." Not that different from Space Between Words, about the origins of silent reading.

Excellent; recommended; and you get to listen to some amazing music!

(11-Nov-06)

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