| THE RED VIOLIN |
 1999
- Canada
Director: François
Girard - Reviewed by Kerri 
Fans of the French film Tous les Matins du Monde (Alain Corneau, 1991) will enjoy this creation of French-Canadian Director Francois Girard, whose prior forays include documentaries involving Bach Cello suites and television specials starring cellist Yo-Yo Ma. It’s no wonder then that Girard was able to capture the sheer majesty and fascination of the violin; in this film we follow this captivation through the centuries. Samuel L. Jackson plays Charles Morritz, an expert in antique musical instruments. The story opens with Morritz’ arrival at an auction, where a very significant and unique Bussotti violin is being sold. As the film flashbacks throughout periods of time in the violin’s history, we visit its making in Cremona, Italy, its burial in the hands of a young Austrian prodigy, the musical career of a Victorian virtuoso, and its banishment from Revolutionist China. As Morritz studies the famous instrument, he unearths deep secrets about its origin, and must face the ultimate dilemma himself: “What do you do when the thing you most wanted, so perfect, just comes?” The music, composed by John Corigliano, won the 1999 Academy Award for Best Score. Violinist Joshua Bell (who also starred in the 1999 film Music of the Heart, playing himself) provides the music of the Red Violin, and was able to capture the different centuries as if he had played in them himself. The part of the Austrian music teacher Georges Poussin, played by Jean-Luc Bideau, to be especially delightful in its comedic undertones; also not to be missed is the tarot card reader who is setting up the story; her role ties the film together and gives it the continuity needed in this kind of format. Overall it is a very engaging film full of passion, music, and history. |
|
Agree? Disagree? Go to the Forum! | Back to Video / DVD Home |
|
Home
| Currently Playing | For
Rent | Video Obsession ©2000 Moviepie e-mail us |
