Preferred Movie about Beethoven

[hornteacher]

While I don't think the definitive Beethoven movie has yet been made, there are some nice elements to all three of these films.  Here's an attempt to open a discussion on the merits and flaws of these productions.  If there are any other ones I'm missing let me know.

[jochanaan]

I haven't yet seen Eroica or Copying Beethoven, so I can't comment about them.  But don't waste your time on Immortal Beloved.  Gary Oldman's stellar portrayal of Beethoven is wasted on an insipid movie that is even less true to history than Amadeus and gives far less insight into the art and psyche of musicians.  The only positive thing about it is that it gives a good image of what it might be like for a musician to lose his hearing.

[hornteacher]

But don't waste your time on Immortal Beloved.

It is my least favorite of the three.  There are some wonderful artistic moments and Oldman is great in the role, but the story is too much about the love letter and not about Beethoven's music or even Beethoven himself.  Plus the movie is just too depressing for my taste.  I know Beethoven had a very rough life and was a difficult person but the movie doesn't ever portray Beethoven as likable.  They took huge liberties with the story, so how about a scene where Beethoven actually has a happy moment in his life (which in fact DID happen sometimes).

Copying Beethoven is just as historically inaccurate but at least you feel some joy in the film.

[Scarpia]

It is my least favorite of the three.  There are some wonderful artistic moments and Oldman is great in the role, but the story is too much about the love letter and not about Beethoven's music or even Beethoven himself.  Plus the movie is just too depressing for my taste.  I know Beethoven had a very rough life and was a difficult person but the movie doesn't ever portray Beethoven as likable.  They took huge liberties with the story, so how about a scene where Beethoven actually has a happy moment in his life (which in fact DID happen sometimes).

Copying Beethoven is just as historically inaccurate but at least you feel some joy in the film.

I don't think there is any documentary evidence to suggest that Beethoven was likable.  I think Imortal Beloved was a very good film, although anyone familiar with Beethoven's life and music will find a lot of liberties have been taken to support the peculiar theory of the identity of the "immortal beloved."

[Bogey]

Eroica (2003)

[WI Dan]

Copying Beethoven is just as historically inaccurate but at least you feel some joy in the film.

I enjoyed Copying Beethoven very much.  Bought the DVD.  Haven't seen the others, yet, but they are on my short list. 

[Valentino]

I haven't seen Copying Beethoven, so thanks for the tip.

I liked both Eroica and Immortally Beloved, but I do find liberties taken equally divided between the two.

[hornteacher]

I enjoyed Copying Beethoven very much.  Bought the DVD.  Haven't seen the others, yet, but they are on my short list.

Eroica is a nice BBC film in the style of a "recreation" of the Eroica's first rehearsal.  Again, liberties are taken for dramatic reasons but no one is really "out of character".  Its very well done.

Copying Beethoven is worth seeing for the recreation of the 9th Symphony premiere alone.  Ed Harris does a great job in the role too.  LOVE the bridge smashing scene.  Didn't care for the "Wash me" scene though, a bit too risque for a relationship that was never about sensuality.  But, still a nice film with some great moments.

[Cristofori]

Hmm... I guess I'm out of touch.

I didn't even know there was ONE half way decent movie on Beethoven much less three.

Are all these foreign films?

[WI Dan]

Copying Beethoven is worth seeing for the recreation of the 9th Symphony premiere alone.  Ed Harris does a great job in the role too. 

I agree, and also thought Diane Kruger was outstanding in her (fictional) role as Anna Holtz.

Eroica is a nice BBC film in the style of a "recreation" of the Eroica's first rehearsal.  Again, liberties are taken for dramatic reasons but no one is really "out of character".  Its very well done.

Just added this one to our Netflix queue.  Thanks.

[Valentino]

Are all these foreign films?

In Norway they are! 

[david johnson]

Copying Beethoven is very enjoyable 

[Maciek]

Are all these foreign films?

Hm, I guess with Holland as the director, Copying Beethoven can't really be called foreign.

[drogulus]

Copying Beethoven is very enjoyable 

      I enjoyed it too. I haven't seen Immortal Beloved since shortly after it came out, so I'm not sure what I would think of it now.

[Cristofori]

Copying Beethoven is very enjoyable 

Thanks, but I prefer to write my own music! 

[Bogey]

Then there is my 7 year-old daughter's favorite:

[Spotswood]

There's also a sweet children's movie called "Beethoven Lives Upstairs," told from the point of view of the composer's landlady's son. In its own way, proabably better than any of the others mentined.

[Bogey]

There's also a sweet children's movie called "Beethoven Lives Upstairs," told from the point of view of the composer's landlady's son. In its own way, proabably better than any of the others mentined.

Know it well.  Good call!

[drogulus]

There's also a sweet children's movie called "Beethoven Lives Upstairs," told from the point of view of the composer's landlady's son. In its own way, proabably better than any of the others mentined.

      That sounds interesting. I'll look for it.

[Brahmsian]

While I don't think the definitive Beethoven movie has yet been made, there are some nice elements to all three of these films.

You're right!