28 October 2024

Immortal Beloved

 

Immortal Beloved 1994

  • Director: Bernard Rose
  • Based on a true story: sort of
  • Cast: Gary Oldman, Jeroen Krabbé, Isabella Rosselini, Johanna Ter Steege, Marco Hofschnifer, Miriam Margolyes, Valeria Golina, Christopher Fulford
  • Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
    • Gary Oldman – Many 
    • Jeroen Krabbé – The Fugitive, Ever After, Kafka
    • Isabella Rosselini – Joy, Wild at Heart
    • Miriam Margolyes – many
    • Valeria Golina – Frida, The Indian Runner, Rain Man
    • Christopher Fulford – Queen of the Desert, Millions, TV series
  • Why?  Gary Oldman, Beethoven
  • Seen:  Several times before. Now 25 October 2024 

Gary Oldman, as we know, can play any role he chooses. This one, as Beethoven, is one of his best.

The life and mysterious loves of Ludvig von Beethoven, the abusive childhood, the tragedy of his deafness, his reputation as an irascible brutal misanthrope and dangerous republican in the time of the French Revolution, his stunningly magnificent music.

Whether or not he was the cruel, insulting and pathetic man as portrayed here I don’t know. One does not want to believe it of this superhumanly gifted composer but Oldman makes it believable. My love and reverence for Beethoven can only grow.

And then comes the 9th symphony. 

5* of 5

 

 

 

 

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