Only Amadeus made this point with more intrigue, curiosity and complexity than this movie could even imagine. The devil motif is somehow both too veiled and too blunt, wasting an unmotivated Jared Harris, who all but twirls his own mustache. The musical performances are quite cool, but far too rare; if you're gonna hire a real violinist, maybe ask him to do more playing and less dramatic emoting.
Plot summary
1830. Violin virtuoso and notorious womanizer Niccolò Paganini (David Garrett) is at the peak of his career, acclaimed throughout Europe. His name alone suggests countless affairs and scandals - which is exactly what his manager Urbani (Jared Harris) is doing his utmost to cultivate, for it is in his interest to market his famous client the best way possible. Only the London public has yet to be conquered. In a plan to lure Paganini to London for his British debut, English impresario John Watson (Christian McKay) and his mistress Elisabeth Wells (Veronica Ferres) risk all they own. Business-savvy Urbani ultimately manages to bring Paganini to the British capital, albeit against his will. And thanks to the rave reviews by journalist Ethel Langham (Joely Richardson),Urbani's strategy seems to be working better than he imagined. Protestors throng his hotel, causing pandemonium. Musician and manager are forced to take refuge at Watson's home, where Paganini quickly takes a liking to his host's lovely daughter Charlotte (Andrea Deck),a talented singer. She and the violinist find the way to each other's hearts through music - and Paganini falls undyingly in love with the young beauty. This displeases Urbani, however, who fears he will lose his influence on his protegé. He begins to craft a diabolical plan...
Uploaded by: OTTO
Director
Top cast
Jared Harris as Urbani
Joely Richardson as Ethel Langham
Olivia d'Abo as Primrose Blackstone
Helmut Berger as Lord Burghersh
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLU 870.96 MB
1280*720
German 2.0
R
Movie Reviews
Reviewed by
Message: classical artists were just like rock stars.
Reviewed by
It could be better
The minute Brad Garret turned towards the camera, acting alert went off and it was a giggle moment for me. Should I proceed or pass? I hanged on until Jared Harris shows up as Urbani. For all intents and purposes, Harris hammed it up just right which makes it an interesting watch. The pace of the film is good. Bernard Rose, the director probably knew the shortcomings of the lead actor. The under age love interest, Andrea Deck as Charlotte Watson, does not help either. There is no chemistry between her and Paganini. I'm surprised to see Joely Richardson on this production. On paper, it probably sounds good for these actors. What Brad lacks in performances with dialogue, he made up for the performance scenes. It was electrifying, obviously an homage to Jimi Hendrix.
Over all the production design looks good with the exception for a few SyFy worthy digital effects. But I am willing to ignore it.
Overall it is an OK classical musician's biography best suited for the super hero generation.
Reviewed by
Absolute Brilliance, perfect snapshot, not to be missed
I waited a month for my copy and as it was not a USA region, watched on a large laptop. I am sure I did not get the full impact of the big screen and can imagine the full glory of the production. This movie title is not to be missed. It's the first of it's kind and a tribute to musical style long lost and resurrected as surely only David can provide. From my perspective as a learned musician he is the only modern living choice to play the part. While at times the movie may seem dark and perhaps entirely to brief considering the Paginini lived to be in his 50's, I think it's the correct snap shot. If you have an inclination to go back in time and witness musical history, this movie is for you.