Copying Beethoven
Director: Agnieszka Holland.
Starring: Ed Harris & Diane Kruger.
Set in Vienna, 1824, Copying Beethoven starts in the last days before his legendary 9th symphony was first preformed. Worried that the symphony won't be ready in time, Beethoven's publisher sends for a copyist, aspiring composer Anna Holtz, to help Beethoven in his final stages of composition. At first Beethoven is reluctant to work with a woman, but he accepts her help and gradually learns to respect her. Through the film the two form a strong, though complicated, friendship. As Anna Holtz gets closer to Beethoven she learns more about his life, music and history, as does the viewer.
The film switches from a brutally realistic portrayal of Beethoven's life, to the imaginary friendship between Beethoven and the fictional character of Anna Holtz. I feel the filmmakers feared that a biographical film of the classical composer would not sell in this new millennium. Rather than focus on some of the more depressing aspects of Beethoven's life for a little intrigue, they decided to introduce the completely fanciful character of Anna Holtz. This was a good choice, the friendship depicted between the two characters was well written and the actors portrayed it skilfully, adding a lighter touch to the film.
While one would have to classify Copying Beethoven as fiction, it also depicts a vivid and realistic picture of the long-revered composer. The filmmakers kept this balance of fiction and history well, and you feel you have a credible account of the composer's last years. Ed Harris and Diane Kruger perform their characters admirably. Harris plays all of the many different aspects of Beethoven's character masterfully, and Kruger's portrayal of the striking Anna Holtz is high quality. The use of Beethoven's own, exquisite music throughout the film helped to bring the composer's character to life, and the performance of his 9th symphony was remarkable.
Copying Beethoven focuses on many different aspects of Beethoven's life, and times. I feel that it would appeal to a wide range of people.
Four stars!
Nicola Dowland
