Academy Award® winners Christopher Walken and Philip Seymour Hoffman* strike all the right chords with Academy Award® nominee Catherine Keener** and Mark Ivanir in this powerful story that blends raw emotion with fiery passion to form an unforgettable cinematic masterpiece. After 25 years together, the members of a world-renowned string quartet learn that their beloved cellist (Walken) may soon be forced to retire. But the news stirs up equally painful challenges when competing egos, harbored resentment, and irrepressible lust threaten to derail the group as they struggle to maintain harmony in their music — and their lives.
This is the description of the film A Late Quartet and I mostly agree. The music was lovely, deep, passionate and enthralling. It is all classical (as one would assume from the premise of the movie) and it drives the story in a way that a composition should. It follows the emotions of the characters throughout. The film has several of my favorite actors (Walken, Hoffman and Keener) and Mark Ivanir did an amazing job as well. I wasn’t familiar with his performances before this movie, but I will be watching more of his films in the future! The movie is extremely well acted and I thought everyone gave a wonderful performance. Wallace Shawn also pops his head into the film, and any movie that includes Vizzini is a film that I will keep watching.
That being said, I had some trouble being engulfed. The movie is very understated in both color and tone and for some reason I just didn’t fall in love with it. I think next time I’ll watch with a glass of wine. It just feels like that kind of film if you know what I mean!
In closing, be sure to check out the image above. It’s an interactive piece of sheet music from Beethoven’s Opus 131, the piece featured in the film. Each of the seven movements are represented by music and a clip that relates from the film as the music piece reflects what’s happening in the characters’ lives! It’s very cool!
*Note – This post is in conjunction with the Fox Home Entertainment program.
Alli is a Chicago based wife and mother of two children. She has turned money-saving into a game and enjoys searching out the best deals to help you save money! Alli shares her insight, tips and up-to-the-minute deals for local and national retailers and brands. Her hope is that you will play the game and learn to save money at the same time!