Synopsis
The life story of Italian violinist and composer, Niccolò Paganini, who rose to fame as a virtuoso in the early 19th Century.
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Cast
- David GarrettNicolo Paganini
- Joely RichardsonEthel Langham
- Jared HarrisUrbani
- Andrea DeckCharlotte Watson
- Christian McKayJohn Watson
- Veronica FerresElizabeth Wells
- Helmut BergerLord Burghersh
- Oskar RickettsBoy
- Ania SowinskiAnna
- Franziska Weisz
Recommendations
- 75
RogerEbert.com
It's an anti-romantic biography about a great artist, one whose central themes are basic, but whose energy and execution is irresistible. - 60
Los Angeles Times
First-time actor Garrett is better at conveying Paganini's artistic sensitivity and self-indulgence than his innovative fire. When he picks up the fiddle, though, he speaks with eloquent authority. - 40
Village Voice
Bernard Rose's elegantly staged but tonally flat biopic embraces the myth, even underscoring Paganini's rising fame, scandalous hedonism, and womanizing as an anachronistic form of rock-star fantasy. - 40
The Dissolve
Garrett’s performance lacks any nuance or fire. When he’s playing, he’s a powerhouse. When he’s talking, he’s a half-presence with a vaguely Tommy Wiseau-esque accent, and sleepy eyes to match. - 30
Variety
The film is proof of both Garrett’s titanic skill at putting bow to string, and his decidedly less accomplished gifts as an actor. - 30
The New York Times
A shallow commentary on how an artist’s talent can be subsumed by the desire for fame and fortune. Or maybe just by the need to make a movie. - 30
The Hollywood Reporter
Ponderously paced and mostly flat in its dramatic effect, this wooden period piece is slow going indeed.
