Immortal Beloved (1995)

This sumptuous and moving 1994 film written and directed by Bernard Rose (Candyman) investigates the artistic and romantic passions of one of the greatest composers of all time. Featuring a superb performance by Gary Oldman (Sid and Nancy) as Ludwig van Beethoven, Immortal Beloved is full of uncommonly vivid, rich imagery as it charts the tumultuous life of the deaf child prodigy and his rise to the height of musical achievement. Along the way, he attempts to play mentor to his nephew, attend to his many passionate romances--the most stable one was with a countess (Isabella Rossellini)--and fight bouts of depression and madness that ruled his life and his art. The film is framed around a "Rosebud"-type letter found after the composer's death that makes up the crux of the story. Jeroen Krabbé (The Fugitive), playing Beethoven's lifelong friend, attempts to discover who Beethoven's muse really was, becoming as driven as his friend in discovering the unlikely identity of the composer's "immortal beloved." Through this we gain an insight into the nature of obsession, romance, and the heights and sacrifices of artistic achievement. The film exhibits some extraordinary sound design, and the finale features a magical encapsulation of Beethoven's life and loves set to his "Ode to Joy." As an exciting and passionate journey, Immortal Beloved is its own masterpiece. --Robert Lane Amazon.com

Not so great

While watching this, I couldn't help feeling that the director was TRYING to make a masterpiece, rather than actually produce one. The acting is good, but not extraordinary. As far as the actual shots and music editing, I felt as though I was watching a made-for-TV movie. Many times throughout the movie, Beethoven's glorious music was just playing in the background, with no connection to the story. Absolutely poor music editing! Come on now, Beethoven deserves nothing less than brilliance... July 23, 2008

Great "demo disc" for showing friends 1080p at it's best.

This blu-ray disc is a must have for any fan of classical music. I was pleasantly surprised at how extremely good the hi-def picture looks and the music is amazing in surround sound. Highly recommend. July 19, 2008

Amazing movie and awesome quality

The level of detail in the Blu Ray version is amazing. The sound and picture is so clear and crisp. Many have raved about this movie, and it is a spectacular movie. Do yourself a favor and watch it in hi-def, you will enjoy this great movie even more. July 18, 2008

amazing

I first bought this movie for my late father who loved Beethoven music. When I knew it was available on bluray I didn't hesitate and bought it. The image is beyond words. the music.... also May 25, 2008

Fictionalized biography and a mystery still unsolved in my mind.

After seeing this film, I feel uncertainty. Is what I saw biography or fictionalized biography with considerable literary license? I think it is the latter and thus only a few comments will be made regarding historic and biographical accuracy and I will focus more on the work of art produced by director, writer, producer Bernard Rose.

We don't know who the mysterious Immortal Beloved was in the life of Beethoven. Historians identify 5 possibilities, of which three are presented here: Austrian Countess Giulietta Guicciardi; Hungarian Countess Erdody; and Beethoven's German sister-in-law, Johana Reiss.

Beethoven's secretary, Anton Felix Schindler, is portrayed as the ever faithful servant who tries to find the mysterious Immortal Beloved since she is the inheritor of Beethoven's musical scores.

Countess Guicciardi is an early lover of Beethoven, a woman who discovers his deafness. Countess Erdody is in many ways his soul mate and the woman he should have remained with. Johana Reiss was his bitter rival and he took her son away from her in a nasty custody battle. This child is a major influence on Beethoven. He dedicates his later years to teach nephew Carl, a mediocre talent who feels tortured by the hours of piano practice.

The cast of the film is very good with the most convincing performances coming from Marco Hofschneider as nephew Carl; Johanna ter Steege as Johana Reiss; and the wonderful Valeria Golina as Countess Guicciardi. A somewhat overly dramatic performance is given by Jeroen Krabbe as Schindler. After all, we know now that Schindedler's biography of Beethoven was greatly fictionalized. That seems to be the tradition with Beethoven. Gary Oldman is able to play Beethoven under a broad range of conditions but his rages seemed a bit over the top. Rossellini as Countess Erdody is stunning to look at but a bit melodramatic when she shows emotions or flat when she is suppose to be non-emotive.

The music by Sir George Solti was good and integrated into the narrative well.

Can Beethoven's music be linked to the tragedies in his life? Rose seems to think so and makes a very convincing case when he connects Ode to Joy to Beethoven's abuse from his father and his escape from his father's home. But was Johana the Immortal Beloved? The jury is out and the film portrays coincidences and facts that are not part of the historic record. Thus you must enjoy the film as fictionalized biography but not accept Rose's premise and conclusions at face value.
May 10, 2008

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