Valeria-Golino Movie Reviews

One of the finest fims of the 1990s, The Indian Runner serves as a powerful reminder of our powerlessness to change the people we love. Though the picture is unblinking in its showcase of human weakness, the film has an overwhelming compassion for the wounded souls it presents.

Viggo Mortenson breaks my heart every time I watch his character, Frankie Roberts, in his brother Joe's car--the night after his violent binge. Frankie's final monologue, a drunken, self-righteous ramble about elementary school math class and the tooth fairy (among other things), is extraordinarily strange and comprehensible. Throughout the film, Mortenson dares his brother and his wife to love him, as he spews abuse (and peas) in their faces. Not only do they continue to love this pitiful monster, but we do, too. In a perfect world, Mortenson and David Morse would have shared the Best Actor Oscar in 1991 (Anthony Hopkins can win any year he wants to) and Sean Penn would have won Best Director and Best Screenplay.

Jack Nitchze's soundtrack and the late-'60s--early '70s song selections perfectly complement the tone of this masterpiece. Midway through the film, Penn and his editor Jay Cassidy give us a scene that astonishes in its bold craftsmanship and beauty. This scene includes David Morse, Patricia Arquette, Viggo Mortenson, Charles Bronson, and some poor schmoe at his Hawaiian-style birthday party (L.M. Kit Carson, I think)--living out their lives in different parts of the Midwest over the course of one night while a singer croons over the soundtrack. One of them will soon kill himself; another goes on a crime spree; one loses his sportscar; another waits by the phone. This is maverick filmmaking, and it leaves you breathless! The scene is played without dialogue, but you still learn so much about the characters through their facial expressions and reactions.

If Sean Penn had never made another movie, he would deserve to be named among the top 10 directors of the '90s for the 127 minutes of no-compromise-storytelling he demonstrates in The Indian Runner. I will never miss another one of his films.

I once heard Sean Penn's film referred to as "Method movies," and I can't think of any better description. Though having only released (as of this writing) three films, Penn has created a style that is as distinct and indentifiable as his own idiosyncratic performances as an actor. Penn's films take place in a gray area that is rarely visited by Hollywood films today -- a rather grim place where the action moves slowly and where the images are rarely happy but somehow remain impossible to look away from. These aren't the type of films that make money or draw huge weekend crowds but they are the films that people will still be watching decades from now. The first of these films was the flawed but still compelling Indian Runner, which tells the tragic story of Viggo Mortensen, an unstable vet who returns home and, despite the best efforts of his peace-maker brother David Morse, continues to spin out of control.

Obviously, this is not a happy film but it is still surprisingly touching and that's largely because of the cast -- the majority of whom have never been better and for that, I give full credit to director Penn. While its obvious, at times, that he still has a bit to learn about pacing, it is also obvious that Penn knows how to get great performances out of his actors. Mortensen, playing a role that could have easily become a flat villian, is quite simply amazing. Even as it becomes clear that this is not someone you'd feel safe living next to, the viewer still can't help but feel an amazing empathy for this fractured human being. Penn, as director and writer, is actually willing to take the time to allow Mortensen to become a real, flawed human being. David Morse, always underrated, is much more low-key than Mortensen but no less compelling. He makes his love for his brother both believable and real and it adds a truly tragic air to his efforts to protect Mortensen. However, for me, the film's most shocking revelation is Charles Bronson, cast here as Mortensen and Morse's father. After several decades worth of films where Bronson was basically a blank slate, Bronson is a revelation here. As the father, Bronson becomes a tragic, haunting father and -- and here's the shocking part for those of us who have seen the Death Wish films -- is actually believably human and vulnerable. His final emotional scene is heart breaking -- largely because of Bronson's own performance.

As I said before, this is a flawed film -- mostly in terms of pace. Sometimes, Penn does seem to be insecure about his directorial and writing choices -- as if he's straining to make sure no one misses the point. But these flaws are honestly just nitpicking. I give this film five stars because it heralded the arrival of Sean Penn as an important director and it featured some of the best acting I have ever seen in my life.

Although made in 1991, The Indian Runner finally came out on DVD in April of 2003, and I have had to watch it numerous times. It is a fascinating character study of Frank. To Frank, life was not shades of grey, but black and white, and he simply would not bend in order to live in this world. Basically, you watch his downfall through the course of the movie. I could understand Frank's character, though, because he was an innocent. Even though he was capable of mayhem, he was also vulnerable and sympathetic due to his uncompromising approach to life. Viggo Mortensen does his best work here, having given Frank's character the utmost consideration. Sean Penn's poetry of the movie was outstanding, weaving the Indian Runner theme throughout the movie in a variety of ways. Although the movie is 12 years old, it is incredible. For a first directorial job, it is amazing. A belated congratulations to all involved with the film. The only thing I wish it had was more special features. It would have been nice to hear the director's and some characters' takes on their approaches and characterizations.

What can you say about a movie that deals with a subject not usually tackled? Of course, there was 1968's CHARLY, starring Cliff Robertson (Best Actor Oscar-winner) and Claire Bloom, that gave us an in-depth look at "special" people, mostly especially, autistic people.

Dustin Hoffman is Raymond Babbitt, the titular character. Tom Cruise, in an excellent role that even impressed me (and I'm not at all a Tom Cruise fan) plays his conniving, selfish brother Charlie Babbitt. Thrown in the mix with them is the beautiful Italian actress Valeria Golino, who plays Cruise's compassionate girlfriend.

You have to love this film! Why? Because of two men, Cruise and Best Actor winner Hoffman (winning his second award since 1979's KRAMER VS. KRAMER). They are what pulls us into their world, and keeps us there until the very end when Charlie sadly puts Raymond on a train back to the sanitorium. (I admit, as a man, I cried repeatedly during this scene -- and still do!) It begins with the death of the brothers' father, a rich man who was estranged from Charlie and never even spoken about Raymond. When he dies, Charlie is given a beautiful 1940s convertible (and his father's prize roses). Upon hearing that this brother of his has inherited their father's fortune, Charlie decides to find him and eventually "kidnap" him.

His greedy selfishness is obvious from the first scene of the film. Eventually, his girlfriend has enough of this and leaves him alone with his brother. (She eventually comes back to him in Las Vegas.) During their cross-country journey, Charlie realizes how important having a brother is, citing that he always felt alone and that how happy he was to know that Raymond was his brother. Beautiful and human, yet not too sappy and saccharine! Even though Charlie proves to have an alterior motive for Raymond, you can't help but like the character (since he does provide some laughs). Cruise eventually plays the same character in 1996's JERRY MAGUIRE.

And, of course, there's Hoffman! Virtually stealing every scene he is in. From his quips: "I'm an excellent driver" to his Abbott & Costello "Who's on First" bit, you can't help but fall in love with this silly, but poignant character. What also clinches the tears for me, other than the departing scene on the train, are the end credits. Yes, that's right, the credits! Here's why. Even notice that Raymond is taking pictures? If you do, then you should know that those are the pictures taken in the end credits. We're actually SEEING what Raymond is seeing; that, in itself, is heartbreaking! Think about that!

And to the director, Barry Levinson, who would soon give us 1990's DINER and 1991's Oscar-nominated BUGSY, for showing us that even a family/buddy/road movie like this doesn't have to be an epic to win Best Picture.

My hat's off to Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass for creating such a wonderful script! Bravo, gentlemen, you deserve it!

RAIN MAN was the winner of 4 Academy Awards in 1988 for: Best Picture - Mark Gordon, producer; Best Director - Barry Levinson; Best Actor - Dustin Hoffman; and Best Original Screenplay - Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow.

RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS, 14 MINUTES.

In response to the movie "Rain Man", I felt that the role played by Dustin Hoffman (Raymond Babbitt) was unbelievable. Dustin Hoffman is a great actor as the Rain Man, and demonstrates incredibly well how an autistic person reacts towards certain things as well as changes in his routine life. He captures autism in such a way that you could actually believe in his performance. I was amazed at the way he was able to pull off this role.

Tom Cruise's role (Charlie Babbitt) was equally as brilliant, who is the villain of the story who undergoes such a sharp change that it's almost not visible until nearly the end. Charlie is shown to be a selfish and greedy jerk at the beginning of the film, but as mentioned before, his gradual understanding of his brother's disability, and extra abilities, are what eventually leads to the grasping of a strong relationship with his brother. Tom Cruise, in my opinion, was perfectly suited for the flashy, egotistical character of Charlie, and I think he did a great job.

Furthermore, the directing of the film was beautiful, for the most part just letting the action unfold, which is exactly the way it should have been done. I also believe that "Rain Man" portrays many aspects of autism quite well. The movie is an introduction to autism for most people who see it for the first time. In summary, Charlie Babbitt, played by Tom Cruise, is a self-centered car dealer, and leaves on vacation with his girlfriend Susanna, played by Valeria Golino. However, on route with his girlfriend, he unfortunately learns that his father who threw him out as a teenager has passed away, and decides to show up at his funeral for only one reason, to get the money his father left behind. Upon arriving for the funeral, Charlie learns that his father left him a now antique convertible, which he originally loved and wanted in his teen years, but which his father never let him drive. Unfortunately for Charlie, he can't get the money which he truly desired, since he discovers that it has been given to a mental institution Charlie is unaware of. Charlie therefore decides to take matters in his own hands and goes to the institution to find out what their connection with his father was. It is only then that he learns that he has a big brother by the name of Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman, who is autistic and lives in this institution. Charlie tries to convince the manager of the institution to let him have the money, since his brother can't do nothing with it because he doesn't even understand the concept of money. The manager of the institution refuses to give him the money, because he promised Charlie's father that he'd make sure to leave it to Raymond no matter what happened. Charlie is enraged by what has happened and by his father keeping Raymond's existence from him his entire life. As a result, Charlie takes Raymond out of the institution without the permission of the manager, and this is how Charlie gets to know his big brother Raymond. The two begin a long road trip that will lead them to an understanding of each other, and I believe that this trip across the country was the start in the relationship between the two brothers.

This movie was very emotional at some times, and had it's funny moments as well. I believe that "Rain Man" is truly a work of art, and a film that everyone can watch, understand, and enjoy.

I saw this movie for the first time in about 1991. I have loved watching this movie again and again over the past twelve years. Dustin Hoffman is a genius in the film. I say that because good acting is only good if you don't notice that it is "acting". I truly believed Dustin Hoffman was Raymond Babbit throughout the movie. The realism of autism brought out by Hoffman and the writers is spot on. I have a cousin who is an autistic savant, and the similarities are incredible -- and my cousin wasn't even born when I first saw the movie so watching it again later in years brought out another meaning for me.

If you are the least bit curious, feed your curiosity. This is honestly a good film.

What can you say about a movie that deals with a subject not usually tackled? Of course, there was 1968's CHARLY, starring Cliff Robertson (Best Actor Oscar-winner) and Claire Bloom, that gave us an in-depth look at "special" people, mostly especially, autistic people.

Dustin Hoffman is Raymond Babbitt, the titular character. Tom Cruise, in an excellent role that even impressed me (and I'm not at all a Tom Cruise fan) plays his conniving, selfish brother Charlie Babbitt. Thrown in the mix with them is the beautiful Italian actress Valeria Golino, who plays Cruise's compassionate girlfriend.

You have to love this film! Why? Because of two men, Cruise and Best Actor winner Hoffman (winning his second award since 1979's KRAMER VS. KRAMER). They are what pulls us into their world, and keeps us there until the very end when Charlie sadly puts Raymond on a train back to the sanitorium. (I admit, as a man, I cried repeatedly during this scene -- and still do!) It begins with the death of the brothers' father, a rich man who was estranged from Charlie and never even spoken about Raymond. When he dies, Charlie is given a beautiful 1940s convertible (and his father's prize roses). Upon hearing that this brother of his has inherited their father's fortune, Charlie decides to find him and eventually "kidnap" him.

His greedy selfishness is obvious from the first scene of the film. Eventually, his girlfriend has enough of this and leaves him alone with his brother. (She eventually comes back to him in Las Vegas.) During their cross-country journey, Charlie realizes how important having a brother is, citing that he always felt alone and that how happy he was to know that Raymond was his brother. Beautiful and human, yet not too sappy and saccharine! Even though Charlie proves to have an alterior motive for Raymond, you can't help but like the character (since he does provide some laughs). Cruise eventually plays the same character in 1996's JERRY MAGUIRE.

And, of course, there's Hoffman! Virtually stealing every scene he is in. From his quips: "I'm an excellent driver" to his Abbott & Costello "Who's on First" bit, you can't help but fall in love with this silly, but poignant character. What also clinches the tears for me, other than the departing scene on the train, are the end credits. Yes, that's right, the credits! Here's why. Even notice that Raymond is taking pictures? If you do, then you should know that those are the pictures taken in the end credits. We're actually SEEING what Raymond is seeing; that, in itself, is heartbreaking! Think about that!

And to the director, Barry Levinson, who would soon give us 1990's DINER and 1991's Oscar-nominated BUGSY, for showing us that even a family/buddy/road movie like this doesn't have to be an epic to win Best Picture.

My hat's off to Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass for creating such a wonderful script! Bravo, gentlemen, you deserve it!

RAIN MAN was the winner of 4 Academy Awards in 1988 for: Best Picture - Mark Gordon, producer; Best Director - Barry Levinson; Best Actor - Dustin Hoffman; and Best Original Screenplay - Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow.

RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS, 14 MINUTES.

In response to the movie "Rain Man", I felt that the role played by Dustin Hoffman (Raymond Babbitt) was unbelievable. Dustin Hoffman is a great actor as the Rain Man, and demonstrates incredibly well how an autistic person reacts towards certain things as well as changes in his routine life. He captures autism in such a way that you could actually believe in his performance. I was amazed at the way he was able to pull off this role.

Tom Cruise's role (Charlie Babbitt) was equally as brilliant, who is the villain of the story who undergoes such a sharp change that it's almost not visible until nearly the end. Charlie is shown to be a selfish and greedy jerk at the beginning of the film, but as mentioned before, his gradual understanding of his brother's disability, and extra abilities, are what eventually leads to the grasping of a strong relationship with his brother. Tom Cruise, in my opinion, was perfectly suited for the flashy, egotistical character of Charlie, and I think he did a great job.

Furthermore, the directing of the film was beautiful, for the most part just letting the action unfold, which is exactly the way it should have been done. I also believe that "Rain Man" portrays many aspects of autism quite well. The movie is an introduction to autism for most people who see it for the first time. In summary, Charlie Babbitt, played by Tom Cruise, is a self-centered car dealer, and leaves on vacation with his girlfriend Susanna, played by Valeria Golino. However, on route with his girlfriend, he unfortunately learns that his father who threw him out as a teenager has passed away, and decides to show up at his funeral for only one reason, to get the money his father left behind. Upon arriving for the funeral, Charlie learns that his father left him a now antique convertible, which he originally loved and wanted in his teen years, but which his father never let him drive. Unfortunately for Charlie, he can't get the money which he truly desired, since he discovers that it has been given to a mental institution Charlie is unaware of. Charlie therefore decides to take matters in his own hands and goes to the institution to find out what their connection with his father was. It is only then that he learns that he has a big brother by the name of Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman, who is autistic and lives in this institution. Charlie tries to convince the manager of the institution to let him have the money, since his brother can't do nothing with it because he doesn't even understand the concept of money. The manager of the institution refuses to give him the money, because he promised Charlie's father that he'd make sure to leave it to Raymond no matter what happened. Charlie is enraged by what has happened and by his father keeping Raymond's existence from him his entire life. As a result, Charlie takes Raymond out of the institution without the permission of the manager, and this is how Charlie gets to know his big brother Raymond. The two begin a long road trip that will lead them to an understanding of each other, and I believe that this trip across the country was the start in the relationship between the two brothers.

This movie was very emotional at some times, and had it's funny moments as well. I believe that "Rain Man" is truly a work of art, and a film that everyone can watch, understand, and enjoy.

I saw this movie for the first time in about 1991. I have loved watching this movie again and again over the past twelve years. Dustin Hoffman is a genius in the film. I say that because good acting is only good if you don't notice that it is "acting". I truly believed Dustin Hoffman was Raymond Babbit throughout the movie. The realism of autism brought out by Hoffman and the writers is spot on. I have a cousin who is an autistic savant, and the similarities are incredible -- and my cousin wasn't even born when I first saw the movie so watching it again later in years brought out another meaning for me.

If you are the least bit curious, feed your curiosity. This is honestly a good film.

Hot Shots! is a great movie with a great script and great acting by Charlie Sheen. Sheen is a great comedy actor and this movie proves it. This movie came out the same summer as one of the Naked Gun movies, and it spoofs Top Gun perfectly. Lloyd Bridges is also great as an absent minded General. Valarie Golino is great in this movie too.

After setting the police profession back 100 years with the "Naked Gun" movie, director Jim Abrahams decided to set his sights on the military with "Hot Shots." And the military will never be the same again.

What makes this movie so much fun are the sight gags that are in almost every scene. As with all good slapstick comedy movies, there are too many sight gags for you to be able to catch them all the first, and even second, time around. Every time you watch this movie, you will find another sight gag that you hadn't noticed before.

The movie also comes with a great comedic cast. It stars Charlie Sheen who for the first time really gets a chance to show how funny he can be (his previous comedy movies are pretty much forgettable). He is supported by Jon Cryer, Lloyd Bridges, and Cary Elwes. Each of these people have a great track record on their own when it comes to comedy. Together, they make the movie work.

This movie was good, and hilarious. This first installment in the Hot Shots! series is hilarious. The gags in this movie range from the subtle like the guys dancing out the window when Lloyd Bridges character(Admiral Benson I think) is talking, to the outlandish like the incredible stretchiness of Topper's dad. I'm sure many critics dismiss this as a mindless spoof, but I think a lot of thought and effort went in to it. It's totally Sweet, and the next one in the series is even better.

Hot Shots! is a great movie with a great script and great acting by Charlie Sheen. Sheen is a great comedy actor and this movie proves it. This movie came out the same summer as one of the Naked Gun movies, and it spoofs Top Gun perfectly. Lloyd Bridges is also great as an absent minded General. Valarie Golino is great in this movie too.

After setting the police profession back 100 years with the "Naked Gun" movie, director Jim Abrahams decided to set his sights on the military with "Hot Shots." And the military will never be the same again.

What makes this movie so much fun are the sight gags that are in almost every scene. As with all good slapstick comedy movies, there are too many sight gags for you to be able to catch them all the first, and even second, time around. Every time you watch this movie, you will find another sight gag that you hadn't noticed before.

The movie also comes with a great comedic cast. It stars Charlie Sheen who for the first time really gets a chance to show how funny he can be (his previous comedy movies are pretty much forgettable). He is supported by Jon Cryer, Lloyd Bridges, and Cary Elwes. Each of these people have a great track record on their own when it comes to comedy. Together, they make the movie work.

This movie was good, and hilarious. This first installment in the Hot Shots! series is hilarious. The gags in this movie range from the subtle like the guys dancing out the window when Lloyd Bridges character(Admiral Benson I think) is talking, to the outlandish like the incredible stretchiness of Topper's dad. I'm sure many critics dismiss this as a mindless spoof, but I think a lot of thought and effort went in to it. It's totally Sweet, and the next one in the series is even better.

This movie is the 2nd funniest movie of all time, only because the first hot shots movie is slightly better and funnier. I'm still wondering where the DVD version of this is ? I'm wearing out my vhs tape watching this over and over again. Pat Proft is so good at comedy and if you watch Wrongfully Accused you realize he's responsible for some of the funniest parts of the movie and the classic, hilarious sound effects and sound humor.
You can't own Hot Shots without owing this, i love movies like this, that even the credits are funny. People actually stayed in the theater to watch the credits. Lloyd Bridges just makes this movie and Charlie Sheen is a great comedy actor. The Scene with the bow and arrow and the chicken is the classic scene from this movie, too bad they showed it in the trailer, when the movie came out. Can't have one without the other. Own both of the hot shots movies.

This movie is better than "Hot Shots!" because it spoofs more than one movie that the first one did(Top Gun).The second spoofs mostly "Rambo III" and some of "Rambo:First Blood Part II" as well as Robocop,Total Recall,Kickboxer.I thought one of the funniest parts was where Sheen runs out of ammo and reaches into a crate and tosses a handful of bullets at the enemy as they topple down!Lloyd Bridges is back as the not-so-bright Admiral Benson who is hilarious!

I like tis movie better than hots shots 1. It one you need to put in your dvds. I love the sence where topper and the
cia agent are in the limo making love to each other, the driver
watching and eating popcorn. that the funniest part, I can't wait to get my copy of this on dvd.

This movie is the 2nd funniest movie of all time, only because the first hot shots movie is slightly better and funnier. I'm still wondering where the DVD version of this is ? I'm wearing out my vhs tape watching this over and over again. Pat Proft is so good at comedy and if you watch Wrongfully Accused you realize he's responsible for some of the funniest parts of the movie and the classic, hilarious sound effects and sound humor.
You can't own Hot Shots without owing this, i love movies like this, that even the credits are funny. People actually stayed in the theater to watch the credits. Lloyd Bridges just makes this movie and Charlie Sheen is a great comedy actor. The Scene with the bow and arrow and the chicken is the classic scene from this movie, too bad they showed it in the trailer, when the movie came out. Can't have one without the other. Own both of the hot shots movies.

This movie is better than "Hot Shots!" because it spoofs more than one movie that the first one did(Top Gun).The second spoofs mostly "Rambo III" and some of "Rambo:First Blood Part II" as well as Robocop,Total Recall,Kickboxer.I thought one of the funniest parts was where Sheen runs out of ammo and reaches into a crate and tosses a handful of bullets at the enemy as they topple down!Lloyd Bridges is back as the not-so-bright Admiral Benson who is hilarious!

I like tis movie better than hots shots 1. It one you need to put in your dvds. I love the sence where topper and the
cia agent are in the limo making love to each other, the driver
watching and eating popcorn. that the funniest part, I can't wait to get my copy of this on dvd.

Whether or not you buy this film's premise as to who Ludwig van Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved" is, one can not help being swept up in the passion and genius of this, one of history's greatest musical masterminds.

Historians may debate this Bernard Rose interpretation of Beethoven's life -- in fact, most contend the composer may never have known the love of a woman -- but Rose and actor Gary Oldman do an outstanding job of showing the passions and depth of emotion of this often tortured man, struggling with deafness, who funneled his tempestuos spirit into every note of every composition.

Immortal Beloved is not as grandiose a film as Amadeus, but manages to reveal the spirit of Beethoven through the unravelling of a mystery -- the composer's last will and testament and it's reference to an unknown "Immortal Beloved." As Beethoven's close friend embarks on a search for the mysterious love, the composer's life is revealed, bit by bit, with the maestro's music following in step as the film's soundtrack.

All in all, an inspiring film that is true to the spirit of a man whose music grew in greatness as his world around him faded into silence.

No. You won't learn about the truth of the identity of Beethoven's eponymous title from this marvelous film, told in cinematic episodic jumps, fits and starts and from various points of view each based on an 'interviews' by Anton Schindler afer Ludwig Von Beethoven's death. The plot, at least insofar as the revelation of the true lady behind the tortured Maestro's love, is just so much hooey.
But the evolution of Beethoven as a composer might just be fairly valid, if exaggerated and oversimplified. Beethoven's growing deafness, his outrageously overprotective attitudes towards his nephew (culminating in a botched suicide attempt by the latter), the invasion of Vienna, are all documented and presented in this gorgeous film with, at times, heartbreaking verisimilitude.
And, you will probably never again hear many of Beethoven's most famous pieces without recalling the images of the film. The last movement of the famous 'Moonlight' piano sonata accompanies a furiously rushing coach through the rainy streets so Beethoven can meet his beloved; an image of the composer superimposed against the cosmos accompananies the Ninth Symphony (Choral). And so much more.
Gary Oldman as the composer is perfect. Jeroen Krabbe is just right as his Boswellian friend who seeks the truth at all costs after Beethoven's death.
The settings are sumptuous. You will appreciate the cutting and the editing more and more as the film progresses. Ditto the superb direction. The score is magnificently realized by both orchestra and conductor and pianist, chamber musicians, all involved.
Reality? Nope. A tantalazing suggestion of what might have realistically been? That's more of what you can expect. If you want reality, I suggest you take George R. Marek's unsurpassable biography, 'Beethoven,' out of the library and luxuriate in it.
'Immortal Beloved' is a cinematic experience that will most likely appeal to lovers of classical music in general and Beethoven's music in particular. But this statement should not put off anyone who is not necessarily a fan. If anything, the more casual listener might just be entranced enough to understand why Beethoven and his music have lasted through the centuries.
This is a film for all of us.

Like Milos Forman's Amadeus, Immortal Beloved is a film that looks into the possible true life of the composer; in this case the last events of his life and the mysterious letter addressed to his Immortal Beloved. Beethoven did in fact address such a letter and will to a mystery woman. His brother undergoes an extensive investigation. He follows Beethoven's career through flashbacks discussing Beethoven with Isabella Rosselini (the Countess) and a former lover of Beethoven, and through his brother's beautiful fiancee and later wife, to whom Beethoven also loved. Set in Vienna but shot in the Czek Republic, the scenery of the many palaces and country homes are exquisite. The highlights of course is the music, wonderfully performed by star violinists Yo-Yo Ma, conducted by Geoge Solti and the London Philharmonic. If you love the movie, you will have to get the soundtrack. From his Piano sonatas (Moonlight and Pathetique), to his concertos(No. 5 Emperor) and his symphones (Eroica, 5th and the Ninth) it is a great film that encompasses the passion, the drama and the turbulence of the Napoleonic age, as well as Beethoven's own troubled life as a deaf and tragic composer. A must see if you loved Amadeus. A great scene utilizes the "Ode To Joy" Beethoven's most famous work, and we are instantly in his mind, feeling his deafness and his heartache. As for the identity of the Immortal Beloved, watch the film as the mystery unfolds. A five star film.

Whether or not you buy this film's premise as to who Ludwig van Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved" is, one can not help being swept up in the passion and genius of this, one of history's greatest musical masterminds.

Historians may debate this Bernard Rose interpretation of Beethoven's life -- in fact, most contend the composer may never have known the love of a woman -- but Rose and actor Gary Oldman do an outstanding job of showing the passions and depth of emotion of this often tortured man, struggling with deafness, who funneled his tempestuos spirit into every note of every composition.

Immortal Beloved is not as grandiose a film as Amadeus, but manages to reveal the spirit of Beethoven through the unravelling of a mystery -- the composer's last will and testament and it's reference to an unknown "Immortal Beloved." As Beethoven's close friend embarks on a search for the mysterious love, the composer's life is revealed, bit by bit, with the maestro's music following in step as the film's soundtrack.

All in all, an inspiring film that is true to the spirit of a man whose music grew in greatness as his world around him faded into silence.

No. You won't learn about the truth of the identity of Beethoven's eponymous title from this marvelous film, told in cinematic episodic jumps, fits and starts and from various points of view each based on an 'interviews' by Anton Schindler afer Ludwig Von Beethoven's death. The plot, at least insofar as the revelation of the true lady behind the tortured Maestro's love, is just so much hooey.
But the evolution of Beethoven as a composer might just be fairly valid, if exaggerated and oversimplified. Beethoven's growing deafness, his outrageously overprotective attitudes towards his nephew (culminating in a botched suicide attempt by the latter), the invasion of Vienna, are all documented and presented in this gorgeous film with, at times, heartbreaking verisimilitude.
And, you will probably never again hear many of Beethoven's most famous pieces without recalling the images of the film. The last movement of the famous 'Moonlight' piano sonata accompanies a furiously rushing coach through the rainy streets so Beethoven can meet his beloved; an image of the composer superimposed against the cosmos accompananies the Ninth Symphony (Choral). And so much more.
Gary Oldman as the composer is perfect. Jeroen Krabbe is just right as his Boswellian friend who seeks the truth at all costs after Beethoven's death.
The settings are sumptuous. You will appreciate the cutting and the editing more and more as the film progresses. Ditto the superb direction. The score is magnificently realized by both orchestra and conductor and pianist, chamber musicians, all involved.
Reality? Nope. A tantalazing suggestion of what might have realistically been? That's more of what you can expect. If you want reality, I suggest you take George R. Marek's unsurpassable biography, 'Beethoven,' out of the library and luxuriate in it.
'Immortal Beloved' is a cinematic experience that will most likely appeal to lovers of classical music in general and Beethoven's music in particular. But this statement should not put off anyone who is not necessarily a fan. If anything, the more casual listener might just be entranced enough to understand why Beethoven and his music have lasted through the centuries.
This is a film for all of us.

Like Milos Forman's Amadeus, Immortal Beloved is a film that looks into the possible true life of the composer; in this case the last events of his life and the mysterious letter addressed to his Immortal Beloved. Beethoven did in fact address such a letter and will to a mystery woman. His brother undergoes an extensive investigation. He follows Beethoven's career through flashbacks discussing Beethoven with Isabella Rosselini (the Countess) and a former lover of Beethoven, and through his brother's beautiful fiancee and later wife, to whom Beethoven also loved. Set in Vienna but shot in the Czek Republic, the scenery of the many palaces and country homes are exquisite. The highlights of course is the music, wonderfully performed by star violinists Yo-Yo Ma, conducted by Geoge Solti and the London Philharmonic. If you love the movie, you will have to get the soundtrack. From his Piano sonatas (Moonlight and Pathetique), to his concertos(No. 5 Emperor) and his symphones (Eroica, 5th and the Ninth) it is a great film that encompasses the passion, the drama and the turbulence of the Napoleonic age, as well as Beethoven's own troubled life as a deaf and tragic composer. A must see if you loved Amadeus. A great scene utilizes the "Ode To Joy" Beethoven's most famous work, and we are instantly in his mind, feeling his deafness and his heartache. As for the identity of the Immortal Beloved, watch the film as the mystery unfolds. A five star film.

Whether or not you buy this film's premise as to who Ludwig van Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved" is, one can not help being swept up in the passion and genius of this, one of history's greatest musical masterminds.

Historians may debate this Bernard Rose interpretation of Beethoven's life -- in fact, most contend the composer may never have known the love of a woman -- but Rose and actor Gary Oldman do an outstanding job of showing the passions and depth of emotion of this often tortured man, struggling with deafness, who funneled his tempestuos spirit into every note of every composition.

Immortal Beloved is not as grandiose a film as Amadeus, but manages to reveal the spirit of Beethoven through the unravelling of a mystery -- the composer's last will and testament and it's reference to an unknown "Immortal Beloved." As Beethoven's close friend embarks on a search for the mysterious love, the composer's life is revealed, bit by bit, with the maestro's music following in step as the film's soundtrack.

All in all, an inspiring film that is true to the spirit of a man whose music grew in greatness as his world around him faded into silence.

No. You won't learn about the truth of the identity of Beethoven's eponymous title from this marvelous film, told in cinematic episodic jumps, fits and starts and from various points of view each based on an 'interviews' by Anton Schindler afer Ludwig Von Beethoven's death. The plot, at least insofar as the revelation of the true lady behind the tortured Maestro's love, is just so much hooey.
But the evolution of Beethoven as a composer might just be fairly valid, if exaggerated and oversimplified. Beethoven's growing deafness, his outrageously overprotective attitudes towards his nephew (culminating in a botched suicide attempt by the latter), the invasion of Vienna, are all documented and presented in this gorgeous film with, at times, heartbreaking verisimilitude.
And, you will probably never again hear many of Beethoven's most famous pieces without recalling the images of the film. The last movement of the famous 'Moonlight' piano sonata accompanies a furiously rushing coach through the rainy streets so Beethoven can meet his beloved; an image of the composer superimposed against the cosmos accompananies the Ninth Symphony (Choral). And so much more.
Gary Oldman as the composer is perfect. Jeroen Krabbe is just right as his Boswellian friend who seeks the truth at all costs after Beethoven's death.
The settings are sumptuous. You will appreciate the cutting and the editing more and more as the film progresses. Ditto the superb direction. The score is magnificently realized by both orchestra and conductor and pianist, chamber musicians, all involved.
Reality? Nope. A tantalazing suggestion of what might have realistically been? That's more of what you can expect. If you want reality, I suggest you take George R. Marek's unsurpassable biography, 'Beethoven,' out of the library and luxuriate in it.
'Immortal Beloved' is a cinematic experience that will most likely appeal to lovers of classical music in general and Beethoven's music in particular. But this statement should not put off anyone who is not necessarily a fan. If anything, the more casual listener might just be entranced enough to understand why Beethoven and his music have lasted through the centuries.
This is a film for all of us.

Like Milos Forman's Amadeus, Immortal Beloved is a film that looks into the possible true life of the composer; in this case the last events of his life and the mysterious letter addressed to his Immortal Beloved. Beethoven did in fact address such a letter and will to a mystery woman. His brother undergoes an extensive investigation. He follows Beethoven's career through flashbacks discussing Beethoven with Isabella Rosselini (the Countess) and a former lover of Beethoven, and through his brother's beautiful fiancee and later wife, to whom Beethoven also loved. Set in Vienna but shot in the Czek Republic, the scenery of the many palaces and country homes are exquisite. The highlights of course is the music, wonderfully performed by star violinists Yo-Yo Ma, conducted by Geoge Solti and the London Philharmonic. If you love the movie, you will have to get the soundtrack. From his Piano sonatas (Moonlight and Pathetique), to his concertos(No. 5 Emperor) and his symphones (Eroica, 5th and the Ninth) it is a great film that encompasses the passion, the drama and the turbulence of the Napoleonic age, as well as Beethoven's own troubled life as a deaf and tragic composer. A must see if you loved Amadeus. A great scene utilizes the "Ode To Joy" Beethoven's most famous work, and we are instantly in his mind, feeling his deafness and his heartache. As for the identity of the Immortal Beloved, watch the film as the mystery unfolds. A five star film.