Immortal Beloved

Rating:
Summary: Beethoven was a genius - PERIOD
Review: Although the ending is mere speculation and probably not true according to historical records about who the "Immortal Beloved" actually was, it seems 'possible', nevertheless. Great capture of the torment of Beethoven. A lot of detail went into even the way he walked and his gruff attitude - yet gave the viewer reasons to understand where it came from - his deafness and other intestinal problems which got worse and worse for YEARS. The Ode to Joy was wonderful! All the music was WONDERFUL. Great costuming. Gary Oldman is quite a versitile actor. 5 stars. One of my all-time favorites for sure. Bet I've watched it no less than 10 times!

Rating:
Summary: Gary Oldman captures the harsh reality of Beethoven's music.
Review: Gary Oldman captures everyone's heart with his ability to portray the harsh reality of Beethoven's life and difficulties to live with his deafness...also, how he expresses his true feelings through his music. Excellent movie, best ever!

Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies of the 90s. Gary Oldman was exceptio
Review: A must see. I was completely uninterest in Bethtoven bofore seeing this movie. Now I can't Get enough. The weaving of music through the story gave me a new outlook on his music.

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining
Review: Despite the reviews of some of the "purists" which you can read below, I found the movie very entertaining and well done. There is probably as much myth as fact in the movie, but isn't that true of every genius in history? Beethoven transcends time and space and is truly an immortal figure. I found Oldman rather convincing as Beethoven, and the rest of the cast pretty good too. There are a few touching moments, a few disturbing moments, and several exultant moments. But it is the music that shines through. I prefer this movie to "Amadeus".

Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: It is hard to make a movie about a genius. This movie is good enough for me. Remember that we see movies for entertainment and not for a dry accurate(whose account?) documentary. Here the movie gets two thumbs up for both the story and the technical value. I have the laser disc version and the image quality and music can not be compared to a VHS version. Stay away from VHS. Someone remarked that music was not good. I believe Solti and Perahia(piano) did a wonderful jod. I can not imagine anyone better for the score. Do your self a favor and get the DVD version.

Rating:
Summary: Beethoven deserves better
Review: This movie is not terrible but is not a thorough examination of Beethoven. Neither is Amadeus for that matter but these composers deserve much better. Sure, I still think it's fun to watch Hollywood fool around with the story as it can finally be a titillating experience. But the scholar in me abhors such things. Three stars.

Rating:
Summary: Gary Oldman can't carry this mediocre bio flick
Review: Gary Oldman is a fine actor who has portrayed Lee Harvey Oswald, Sid Vicious, Joe Orton, Count Dracula, and here, he impersonates Beethoven. That's what's known as "range." But this picture demonstrates why, despite his gifts, he isn't a big star - he just doesn't have that indefinable screen presence that enables even inferior actors to carry a movie. Here he doesn't do much but scowl, rant, and behave like a "genius." It's always hard to play a great man convincingly, and it doesn't help that the real Ludwig van was a deeply unpleasant shnorrer unlikely to win the viewer's sympathy. Do yourself a favor and fast forward the video 1 hour 13 minutes to watch the great Barry Humphries as Metternich. It's the best 45 seconds of the film, and I suspect Humphries, a modern dandy, accepted the role because it gave him an excuse to wear a splendid frilly cravat.

Rating:
Summary: Arrant Trash
Review: Beethoven deserves better. Anybody who knows Beethoven knows that none of the women under consideration for the title were even major love interests of Beethoven in real life (with the possible exception of the Isabella Rosselini character). The true Immortal Beloved is not even mentioned in the movie. How about a serious movie about the life of Beethoven, with a score that does him justice. The music could have been done so much better. Not impressed.

Rating:
Summary: My favorite movie!
Review: This movie is simply one of the best ever, and it escapes my mind as to how it didn't do well at the box office, let alone not winning Best Picture! And the music! The music alone can reach to the depths of your soul.

Rating:
Summary: AWESOME . . . Kept me on my toes to the very end!
Review: The drama . . . the music . . . I am a fan of classical music for life