Copying Beethoven DVD Review

"Copying Beethoven" reviews

DVD

Copying Beethoven

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2008-01-25 15:40:17

Provider

DVD Review

Copying Beethoven takes an original and slightly licentious look at the circumstances surrounding the great composer's Ninth Symphony, still rated by many as possibly the most incredible moment in the history of music.

It posits a love affair between the dying genius (played by Ed Harris) and the young Anna Holtz (Diane Kruger), a 23-year-old aspiring, but penniless, composer arriving in Vienna to study. As Beethoven overcomes his initial reluctance to having a female assistant, a remarkable relationship blossoms between the two. Inspired by his young muse, his work achieves new heights, while Anna herself is torn between her engineer lover Martin Bauer (Matthew Goode) and her employer and idol, Beethoven.

Directed by Agnieszka Holland (The Secret Garden), Copying Beethoven has a captivating if overly romantic plot. It's packed with twists and turns; including subplots that explore Beethoven's difficult relationship with his young nephew, and his out-of-control gambling debts. Whilst Harris gives a riveting performance, totally inhabiting his role of the complex aging artist, the rest of the cast struggle and some hamming is in evidence. That said, you'll have to go a long way to find a better soundtrack!