The Legend of 1900
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Movie Reviews of The Legend of 1900
Movie Review: My Favorite Film of All Time
Summary: 5 Stars
_The Legend of 1900_ is a film I recommend wholeheartedly to anyone. It is a film about friendship, about knowing yourself, about love, and -- above all -- about art.
It is a film that quietly seeps into your soul and remains there, so that (before the DVD was released) I always jumped at the chance to see it whenever it rarely showed up on cable.
It is a film that continues to elicit my emotions. . .ok, often my tears. . .whenever I view it. The soundtrack adds to the emotional evocation, but also underscores the points of the film: that friendship endures, that backgrounds and stereotypes are thin where true and honest character is concerned, that other-oriented love motivates while self-oriented love (true love) can also instruct; and that art -- into which one can become fully emerged (whether that art is musical or has to do with story-telling) is a force that needs an outlet, must have an outlet -- will be shared. . .eventually.
I teach English at the college level, and share this film with both colleagues and students. It is stunning, both artistically and philosophically. It is a film very much worth viewing and discussing
Movie Review: a strange tale
Summary: 3 Stars
This offering from director Giuseppe Tornatore was billed as "an epic story of a man who could do anything... except be ordinary." Tim Roth stars as the title character - the spastic, moody pianist who was born and raised on a ship, and named after the year in which he was found. He encounters many unique personages on his travels, most notably the story's narrator, Max Tooney (Pruitt Taylor Vince). The two become fast friends: 1900 teaches Max to find his sea-legs, and Max becomes his most devoted fan. For 1900 is a piano prodigy. He plays beautiful music that no one has ever heard before, inspired by the faces of passengers that he sees. Appropriately, his most gorgeous piece is written when he catches sight of the woman he is destined to love. There's only one problem: he refuses to set foot on dry land.
The film is, basically, a fantasy. A grown-up's fairy tale. Not for a moment do I believe that any of this could ever happen, and neither did all the critics who gave it negative reviews. This kind of movie is acceptable, perhaps, in Europe. Not in America. Our critics demand realism, and their usual beef with any given film is the "unrealistic" happenings, or "plot holes". But it's The Legend of 1900 for a reason...it isn't real, and we're not meant to believe that it is. In order for this type of story to work, the characters must be compelling enough to carry a fantastical tale. Films like Goldfinger and Ocean's 11 have banked on this before, and we've become used to such hijinks in the action/adventure genre. But an unbelievable drama?
There's no question that Roth's 1900 is fascinating. Charmingly neurotic, he endures the ribbing of his friends and enemies with Bogartesque grace. The character of Max Tooney is meant to be the duller companion to his genius: the Watson to his Holmes, the Robin to his Batman. Unfortunately Vince's performance leaves something to be desired, and his character is given little to do. He plays the trumpet well and (reportedly) tells a great story, but he lacks the charisma needed in a sidekick. When 1900's home ship, The Virginian, is destined to be destroyed, Max embarks on a quest to find 1900 and save him from the explosion. This search spans the whole film, intercut with flashbacks to the many voyages of Max and 1900. The ending is predictable. In fact, each moment in the film is predictable, with one exception. Almost every single plot point is shamelessly foreshadowed at least once, and I found myself wondering wearily how long it would take to reveal each "twist". Maybe it's the American in me. I just wanted to see stuff get blown up.
The one truly interesting scene is the "piano duel" between 1900 and jazz sensation Jelly Roll Morton (Clarence Williams III). You find yourself as bewildered by 1900's behavior as are the passengers...what is he doing? Why? When will he finally show Jelly Roll who's boss? In spite of yourself, you really want this strange young sea-bound man to win. You like him. What's not to like?
But liking a character isn't always enough to carry a film. Such is the case here. In the end, you realize that you never really had any vested interest in 1900 or his fate. He's interesting to look at, but his magic lasts only as long as his fingers play.
Rating out of 5: * * 1/2
Movie Review: ***SIX STARS***
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a singer/songwriter and I play the piano. And this movie took my breath away. Not only did TIM ROTH "PLAY" that part.....I believed that he was actually "1900", but the music was such that anyone with ANY appreciation for music had to fall in love with it immediately. Upon accidentally catching the movie on TV, I immediately purchased the DVD and Soundtrack. A little disappointed that some of the key songs in the movie were not included on the US version only containing 21 tracks, I found one overseas that had 29 tracks....that's all I listen to everyday. Would I recommend this movie to others? I have recommeded it to EVERYONE. And they have all fallen in love with it as I did. If you love music, especially piano you HAVE to see this movie.....and if you were not a TIM ROTH fan, prior to seeing THE LEGEND OF 1900....you will definitely be one afterwards.Movie Review: An Incredible Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie, which reeled me in with its mysterious premise- a baby found abandoned on a ship, who grows into a man who never steps a foot on land- turned out to be spectacular.
First off, the camera work was fabulous, the film sumptuously shot. This isn't a movie where you bounce from frame to frame. I love movies that take their time and explore what they've created, not zip through it once lines have been said. Virtually every shot, every frame has an essence, a feeling, be it gaiety, romance, sadness, etc. That alone made it a joy to watch.
Tim Roth was fabulous as 1900- those big, thoughtful eyes can convey such emotion. Though some will sight this movie as being too sad, with a terrible ending, I cannot agree. The only sadness comes from 1900's predicament- having lived his whole life on a finite ship that finally cultivated a paralyzing fear of the rest of the world. Other complaints have their merit- the girl for whom 1900 finally tries to get off the boat has really no relationship at all with him, making it odd to take such a big step for someone he hardly knows. Yet I like to chalk it up to her representing something to him- love, companionship, a home, and a family- even if she isn't the one, she brings up these feelings in him. There are logical gaps in the movie- where did this baby come from?, why in the world did one of the workers get to keep it?, 1900 could just sit down as a kid and play?, did the boat never go in for repairs, in which case 1900 would have to get off?, how did 1900 manage to survive when it was so decrepit and ready to be blown up? But the movie is mythical- after all, a legend. The details melt away in the grander vision of things. I cannot say that the movie will let you leave feeling good. It could have ended with 1900 finally getting off- maybe seeing the girl from the boat again somewhere- but it wouldn't have fit.
The movie is just so magical. I couldn't keep this silly grin off my face when the piano began to spin in the ballroom as the ship rocked and rolled, with 1900 playing- it was perfectly whimsical. I cheered when 1900 won the piano duel by lighting the cigarette with the strings hot from his playing. I loved the way he observed people and made up little songs to suit them. I gasped to hear him say "F*** the regulations." These little things just stick in my head. Watch this movie. You won't regret it.
Movie Review: Do not pass this one by.
Summary: 5 Stars
The premise, the music, the performances! This movie is a gem. I have been a "movie buff" since the days of the Saturday double feature with an eleven cent admission charge. I know not how many movies I have seen but I do know this is one of the finest. How wonderful motion pictures such as this can be so "hidden" is beyond me. I urge you to purchase this one for your library. You will not be sorry. I will say, if you are a Vin Diesel fan, this picture is not for you. This movie has a soul and charm.