Copying Beethoven

Copying Beethoven

2006 · 104 min · EN · PG-13 · 6.4 (151 votes)
Dir. Agnieszka Holland · Starring Ed Harris, Diane Kruger, Matthew Goode, Phyllida Law, Ralph Riach, Bill Stewart
Drama

A fictionalised exploration of Beethoven's life in his final days working on his Ninth Symphony. It is 1824. Beethoven is racing to finish his new symphony. However, it has been years since his last success and he is plagued by deafness, loneliness and personal trauma. A copyist is urgently needed to help the composer. A fictional character is introduced in the form of a young conservatory student and aspiring composer named Anna Holtz. The mercurial Beethoven is skeptical that a woman might become involved in his masterpiece but slowly comes to trust in Anna's assistance and in the end becomes quite fond of her. By the time the piece is performed, her presence in his life is an absolute necessity. Her deep understanding of his work is such that she even corrects mistakes he has made, while her passionate personality opens a door into his private world.

VIBE

A poignant and intense look at artistic creation. It feels like witnessing genius wrestle with inner demons, finding unexpected solace and inspiration in a young protégé. The music swells with emotion, making for a deeply moving experience.

melancholicinspiringfrustratingpassionatesteadyperiod dramabiographicalclassical music focusartistrymentorshiplegacyovercoming adversity
composerclassical musicwoman directorfictional biography19th century
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