Immortal Beloved (Deluxe Edition)
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Movie Reviews of Immortal Beloved (Deluxe Edition)
Movie Review: Beloved Beethoven: The Film That Oscar Missed
Summary: 5 Stars
In 1994, British director Bernard Rose released "Immortal Beloved". The full-length film is now on DVD, with commentary by the director, trailers for the film, a documentary on the real life of composer Ludwig Van Beethoven and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie. It's a must have for fans of the film, which had a following mostly of music lovers or history buffs. I want to convince you that this film is Oscar worthy for Best Picture or Best Actor (Gary Oldman as Beethoven). Or it could have at least won Best Costumes. It's a terrific film that the 1995 Oscars neglected. The Academy failed to see the powerful drama of this film. It's a work of art. I don't understand how if Amadeus, a film about the fictional account of Mozart and Salieri, two music composers, could win Best Picture in 1984 (only 10 years before Immortal Beloved) why did they ignore the Oscar potential of this movie ? And Gary Oldman truly deserved recognition for his work as Beethoven. I believe that year, Tom Hanks won Best Actor for Forrest Gump, a good performance as well but Gary Oldman truly deserved it more in my opinion. Oldman (from 1992's Dracula) is a veteran British film star with many American films to his credit, an excellent actor and captivating screen presence. As Beethoven, he truly transformed himself into the very essence of Beethoven himself. Not only does he physically and anatomically look like a Beethoven brought to life on the screen, but his acting was able to tap into the spirit of Beethoven's personality. He is mercurial, he is intense, he is passionate, he is tormented, he is romantic and gentle. The film seems to indicate that Beethoven's deafness was due to the beatings his abusive father gave him as a boy. His escape of the trauma inspired his greatest work of music- the revolutionary Ninth Symphony. Like Amadeus, some of the film is fiction and fabricated simply for the sake of drama or plot. But a lot of it is true to the time of Beethoven (early 19th century 1800-1820's) and some portions remain accurate to Beethoven's career as a composer. The mysterious Immortal Beloved was true. Love letters to this Immortal Beloved were found upon Beethoven's death and to this day there are different theories on who the enigmatic lover must have been.The film opens with Beethoven's death. Beethoven, frail and pointing towards heaven as lightning strikes, takes his final breath. This is reportedly true by an eyewitness account of the time. Afte his funeral, Jerome Krobbe's character and Beethoven's brother decide to investigate who the Immortal Beloved was by digging up as much information on the women he loved in his life. They encounter that there are three "suspects"- a divorced Countess with children (Isabella Rossalini in a great performance), Beethoven's brother's wife, or a beautiful piano student of his. The lush cinematography and vibrant location- the film was shot on location in Beethoven's native Austria- enhances the milieu of the film and it's gorgeous to look at. Authentic costumes is another superb element of the film. The scenes of Napoleon's invasion of Vienna are historically accurate as well. Beethoven and Napoleon were contemporaries and initially, tricked by Napoleon's propaganda, Beethoven believed that Napoleon's government was going to open up doors of opportunities for equal rights in a new Enlightenment. But Napoleon's promises were false and he crowned himself Emperor and his reign was totalitarian. This upset Beethoven so much that he tore off the dedication to Napoleon from his Third Symphony (Eroica).
The final portions of the film are probably the best. Beethoven, approaching old age, has trouble with his nephew Karl, who attempts suicide at one point, and is still pining over the woman he loved but could not have. Especially fatalistic was the lost encounter between the two during a rainstorm at a hotel. This is also taken straight from letters that were found and are true to Beethoven's life. Beethoven composes his final symphony- the Ninth- as he remembers his tragic childhood. He conducts the Ninth himself, eventhough he is much older, and dazzles the Vienna public with a bold new creation- the symphony with a chorus (the Ode to Joy). The film uses the music from the symphony very dramatically and effectively, visually and score-wise in the soundtrack. The soundtrack is also available on Amazon.com and is a must buy if you loved the all-Beethoven program featured in the film- his Eroica Symphony, the Moonlight Piano Sonata, The Fifth and Sixth Symphonies, The Kreutzer Violin Sonata and the Emperor Piano Concerto No. 5, which is used brilliantly as the film closes. Beethoven's Immortal Beloved reads the letter that Beethoven wrote to her on the occassion of that fateful night at the hotel, becomes emotional and visits the tomb of Beethoven. This was the actual tomb of Beethoven in Austria that is seen in the film. This film is worth watching time and again, is perfect for music appreciation courses and as already mentioned, a film that cries Oscars but that Oscar was blind to.
Movie Review: Go On Loving Me. Ever Yours. Ever Mine. Forever.
Summary: 5 Stars
Having seen Immortal Beloved, I have a much stronger respect for Beethoven, as well as his contribution to this world...his music. The movie...ahhh, the movie. My personal opinion...a masterpiece. It affects me to such a degree every time I experience it, that I always cannot leave without deep emotion on my face. How would you feel if someone opened your mind to something in an entirely new light? You never saw it that way until they showed you. This is what the film does for me. Rich cinematography, luscious locations...some untouched, that still look the way they would have looked back in Beethoven's day. A tragic love story in the best sense.
Who was Beethoven's Immortal Beloved? No one knows. But after his death a letter was found in his own handwriting, written to someone only referred to as "My Immortal Beloved." Beethoven Scholars have argued for centuries as to who this woman could be. The director, Bernard Rose, gives his interpretation of who she was, with much care in making it seem plausible. For us non Beethoven Scholars, it's simply a beautiful, tragic love story...a story that cannot help but endure the test of time.
Gary Oldman, doesn't just play Beethoven...he is Beethoven...or at least a very strong interpretation of what the man must have been like. When I watch the film, I don't see Gary Oldman...I see Beethoven. A man torn apart by hardships. Beaten by his father because he was not as brilliant a child prodigy as say, Mozart was...more that he was stubborn and unwilling to play the popular tripe of the times. Oldman shows us many sides to Beethoven...the youth, in which he is close to his brothers and a bit of a scoundrel with the ladies. But somewhere along the line, he changes into an angry, bitter old man who is mad at the world. The fact that someone like him, who should have had perfect hearing that should be, as he puts it, "a higher degree in me," is deaf and cannot hear his own music when he plays it...at least, not the way we hear it. Beethoven's deafness was not the kind where you hear silence. He heard noise...although this is speculative, many believe he suffered from a condition that caused his hearing to become more and more painful as the years followed.
One of my favorite scenes in the film is when Beethoven lowers his head onto a piano so he can hear the vibrations more powerfully. And with that he begins to play Piano Sonata No. 14 (quasi una fantasia) in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2...Moonlight Sonata, I. Adagio sostenuto. In the film it is played about twice as fast as it is normally played, never losing its allure in the process. Director Bernard Rose wanted to do this simply because he felt it grabs you more intensely when played a bit faster. An amazing scene that should be watched again and again.
Anton Felix Schindler, played brilliantly by Jeroen Krabbe, was the man who worked closest with Beethoven, at times being treated quite badly by the maestro. Jeroen plays the man as being very submissive...most of the time we only see what he's feeling through body language and eye gestures. As Ludwig discusses his music with Schindler during the very first time they meet, the look on Schindler's face as he listens to Beethoven is like a revelation...never has he heard or felt such passion and pain. He is drawn to tears. A most powerful scene that evokes the human spirit. The brilliance of Beethoven is unquestionable.
Director Bernard Rose gives many wonderful and interesting visual interpretations through Beethoven's music. Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, I. Allegro con brio is used during the shelling of Vienna by Napoleon. But perhaps the most remembered is Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, IV. "Ode To Joy," in which we witness a young Ludwig, escaping from his sadistic father through his bedroom window on the 2nd floor and running away, lying on his back in a nearby lake at night. The pullback shot from straight up shows us the stars glittering all around him from the reflection in the water and continues to pull back until Beethoven disappears and is one with the stars themselves...quite symbolic.
To me, this a very special movie. The fact that the director may have taken some poetic licensing to tell the story seems justified when you are engrossed in the entire product. But many people, still to this day, dislike the movie because of that reason. But where the film, Amadeus, was mostly based on fictional storytelling, Immortal Beloved is based more on fact, which is what got it into trouble and why it was met with so many mixed reviews. I personally feel these people are just missing out on a great film and great storytelling at its best. But you be the judge...see Immortal Beloved. I guarantee you'll never be able to listen to Beethoven's music quite the same way ever again.
"Go on loving me. Ever yours. Ever mine. Forever." - Gary Oldman as Ludwig Van Beethoven
Movie Review: The Immortal Beethoven Comes To Life
Summary: 5 Stars
Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the greatest composers-- some would say THE greatest-- in the history of the world. But what of the man himself? His passions, his loves? The humanness behind the genius? "Immortal Beloved," written and directed by Bernard Rose, examines the man behind the music in a dramatization focusing on the mystery behind a letter-- written by Beethoven-- found among his effects after his death in 1827. The letter bears no name or address, but was written to a woman to whom he refers as his "immortal beloved," with nary a clue as to her identity. But in his final will, it is she to whom he bequeaths his estate, and it therefore falls to Beethoven's secretary, Anton Schindler (Jeroen Krabbe), to unravel the mystery and discover her identity. And as Schindler pursues his quest, a portrait of Beethoven, in his most human aspect, emerges. Reminiscent of the approach taken by Orson Welles with "Citizen Kane," Rose presents a riveting study of the enigmatic genius that was Beethoven. He suggests a man driven by passion and ego, who was under appreciated during his lifetime (as great artists often are), and who grew bitter in the wake of the slings and arrows fate so surreptitiously hurled at him. The great irony of his life, of course, was the deafness that deprived him of the aural beauty of his own creation, an affliction Rose implies was brought about through the brutality of a drunken father who would beat his son about the head and ears (And in retrospect, what a testimony to his genius, that he could write such music in his head without ever hearing an actual note). As Beethoven, Gary Oldman gives an outstanding performance, one for which he should have received acclaim that somehow was never forthcoming. His ability to create a total character, with such incredible emotional depth as he does here, is astounding. It's puzzling as to why so many of his performances are overlooked, especially at Oscar time. Besides this film, consider his work in "Sid and Nancy," or more recently in "The Contender." He is simply a tremendous actor who has yet to have his day in the sun. As Beethoven, he so completely immerses himself in the character that his soul is veritably reflected in his eyes. You feel the silent world in which he was confined for most of his life, and it allows you to identify with the inner turmoil with which he had to cope and endure without respite. Most importantly, Oldman makes you feel that unabashed passion that motivated and drove Beethoven on. It's quite simply a remarkable performance. Turning in notable performances as well are Isabella Rossellini, as Anna Marie Erdody, one of the women in Beethoven's life who may or may not have been the one to whom the letter was intended, and Johanna ter Steege, as Johanna, Beethoven's sister-in-law and the mother of his beloved nephew, Karl (Marco Hofschneider). The supporting cast includes Miriam Margolyes (Nanette), Barry Humphries (Clemens), Valeria Golino (Giulietta), Gerard Horan (Nikolaus), Christopher Fulford (Casper), Alexandra Pigg (Therese) and Luigi Diberti (Franz). Beethoven's renown today, of course, exceeds even mythological proportions, which often facilitates the blending of fiction with fact. But with "Immortal Beloved," whether or not the finer points are historically accurate or not is of little consequence, for at it's heart this is a love story that is engrossing drama that is altogether transporting. It's a memorable film, highlighted by Oldman's performance and, of course, the music. And there are a number of scenes, as well, that are unforgettable and demand mention. One depicting the debut performance of the "Ode to Joy," and another in which the young Beethoven (played by Leo Faulkner) runs at night through the streets of the city to escape his drunken father (Fintan McKeown), coming at last to a lake, into which he wades to float on his back; and with the camera positioned directly above, looking down upon him, a billion stars are reflected in the water around him. Then slowly the camera pulls back until the young Ludwig blends with the reflected stars to seemingly take his place among all the brightest lights of the firmament. It's a scene that will leave you breathless and remain etched in your memory forever. And it's but one of the more astounding moments from an astounding motion picture that absolutely must not be missed.Movie Review: The Music Is The Story
Summary: 5 Stars
This review refers to the Special Eition DVD (Columbia) of this film
The "Maestro" has died. It is a sad day in Vienna. But the question remains, who will inherit the estate of Ludwig Von Beethoven? His surviving brother believes he is entitled to it all. Is he? A letter is found amongst Beethoven's papers bequeathing everything to the addressee. It is addressed only to "My Immortal Beloved". Beethoven's freind and confidante Anton Schindler makes it his duty to find the woman, the maestro has kept secret all these years.
As Schindler combs all of Eastern Europe searching for the mystery woman, the story of Beethoven's life unfolds, as at each stop,Schindler and the women in question exchange their experiences and what they know. We learn of how the world learned of his deafness, of his abusive childhood at the hands of his father, his relationship with these women, his hatred for his brother's wife, his adoration for his nephew Carl, and of his dark temperment.
Throughout the film, there is always the music of Beethoven. The music seems to fit the exact emotion that he is experiencing. Love, saddness, anguish, ravages of war,freedom. It is as though the music is telling the story of his life. You don't have to be a Beethoven afficianado to appreciate this. As a matter of fact this film is an excellent introduction to the music of Beethoven.The scene depicted while his 9th symphony(Ode to Joy) is playing is sheer pleasure to all the senses. Be sure to have a box of tissues ready for the end!
The music of course stands on it's own, and the cast is incredible in their portrayals. Gary Oldman IS Beethoven, Jeroen Krabbe(The Fugituve, No Mercy) is Schindler. As the women in Beethoven's life there is Isabella Rossellini, Valeria Golina(Rainman), and Johanna Ter Steege. Director Bernard Rose does an excellent job of taking us back to this time in history. The photography is breathtaking also.
What a great DVD it is. Well worth having. The 5.1 digitally remastered score is wonderful(You have the choice of 2.0 also) Dialouge crisp. Picture in Anamorphic Widescreen is sharp, colors are bright. Great Special features too. There is a documentary, and you can listen to director Rose's commentary during the film (this is best after the first viewing),he talks about everything from what is actually true, to the style of clothing worn during this period. There are also subtitles in English and Spanish and some production notes.
Film fan or Music fan you will watch this over and over....Laurie
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Movie Review: The Greatest Romantic...
Summary: 5 Stars
There is an interesting story about Beethoven concerning his intense concentration and sheer immersion in the music while in the midst of composing. A young man knocked on his door to deliver a message, an important message about a patron wanting to commission his work. The maestro answered the door, and the delivery boy was taken aback, as Beethoven appeared frazzled, dark rings under his eyes with a mad expression. The boy was asked to wait, that he would only be a few moments. Well, the young man waited and waited, hearing the most beautiful music he had ever encountered. Over two hours transpired when the maestro finally came back to the door. "Herr Beethoven, I have been waiting over two hours to deliver this most urgent message!" The composer appeared genuinely confused, "You must be mistaken, for I have only been away a few moments!" He then snatched the message out of the boy's hands and slammed the door. To my mind, this is a fine example of pure genius at work.
Immortal Beloved (1994) upon its theatrical release was panned by the professional critics as over the top; that Gary Oldman overacted and the director's (Bernard Rose) use of too many clichés to tell a speculative story about the secret lover to Beethoven. The early nineties was a time where it was fashionable to be negative and critical with just about everything...fashionable cynicism. Having viewed the DVD for the first time since seeing the film (over 12 years ago) in the theatre, there is no doubt that these "professional critics" were way off the mark. This is an excellent film that manages to capture the beginnings of the Romantic age in music. Beethoven is right on the cusp between Classical and the Romantic Movements...and the tragedy and heroism which mark the sensibilities that the Romantic Movement stands for is well represented in this moving film.
Gary Oldman is one gifted actor and portrayed the mad genius with the realism and intensity it so well deserves.
Beethoven's music all alone without knowing anything about the composer will continue to move audiences' until the end of time, however, the tragic fact that the maestro was stone deaf while composing the majority of his music, particularly, Ode to Joy, is absolutely astonishing! It is known that he actually sawed the legs off a grand piano, bringing it to the floor in order to "feel" the vibrations clearer.
Isabella Rossellini as the countess is absolutely superb and stunning as her eyes convey so much emotion when her character talks about her love, the maestro.
There are some beautiful scenes of old Vienna in the film and, well, this would have to be the greatest sound track of all time.
This is a wonderful film, a love story about more than likely the greatest romantic in history: Ludwig von Beethoven.