Review of Immortal Beloved (1995)

This review refers to the Special Eition DVD (Columbia) of this film
The "Maestro" has died. It is a sad day in Vienna. But the question remains, who will inherit the estate of Ludwig Von Beethoven? His surviving brother believes he is entitled to it all. Is he? A letter is found amongst Beethoven's papers bequeathing everything to the addressee. It is addressed only to "My Immortal Beloved". Beethoven's freind and confidante Anton Schindler makes it his duty to find the woman, the maestro has kept secret all these years.
As Schindler combs all of Eastern Europe searching for the mystery woman, the story of Beethoven's life unfolds, as at each stop,Schindler and the women in question exchange their experiences and what they know. We learn of how the world learned of his deafness, of his abusive childhood at the hands of his father, his relationship with these women, his hatred for his brother's wife, his adoration for his nephew Carl, and of his dark temperment.
Throughout the film, there is always the music of Beethoven. The music seems to fit the exact emotion that he is experiencing.Love, saddness, anguish, ravages of war,freedom. It is as though the music is telling the story of his life. You don't have to be a Beethoven afficianado to appreciate this. As a matter of fact this film is an excellent introduction to the music of Beethoven.The scene depicted while his 9th symphony(Ode to Joy) is playing is sheer pleasure to all the senses. Be sure to have a box of tissues ready for the end!
The music of course stands on it's own, and the cast is incredible in their portrayals. Gary Oldman IS Beethoven, Jeroen Krabbe(The Fugituve, No Mercy) is Schindler. As the women in Beethoven's life there is Isabella Rossellini, Valeria Golina(Rainman), and Johanna Ter Steege. Director Bernard Rose does an excellent job of taking us back to this time in history. The photography is breathtaking also.
What a great DVD it is. Well worth having. The 5.1 digitally remastered score is wonderful(You have the choice of 2.0 also) Dialouge crisp. Picture in Anamorphic Widescreen is sharp, colors are bright. Great Special features too. There is a documentary, and you can listen to director Rose's commentary during the film (this is best after the first viewing),he talks about everything from what is actually true, to the style of clothing worn during this period. There are also subtitles in English and Spanish and some production notes.
Film fan or Music fan you will watch this over and over....Laurie

also recommended:
Gandhi

Marilyn Monroe - The Final Days

Edward the Seventh

Product Description
Gary oldman is beethoven in this untold story of a man of genius a woman of passion and the mystery of a lifetime. Special features: dual-layer widescreen version subtitles: english spanish director bernard roses commentary original featurette talent files and theatrical trailer.Studio: Sony Pictures Home EntRelease Date: 03/06/2007Starring: Gary OldmanRun time: 120 minutesRating: R



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