The Devil's Violinist (2013)

Admirable film.

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

The minute Brad Garret turned towards the camera, acting alert went off and it was a giggle moment for me. Should I proceed or pass? I hanged on until Jared Harris shows up as Urbani. For all intents and purposes, Harris hammed it up just right which makes it an interesting watch. The pace of the film is good. Bernard Rose, the director probably knew the shortcomings of the lead actor. The under age love interest, Andrea Deck as Charlotte Watson, does not help either. There is no chemistry between her and Paganini. I'm surprised to see Joely Richardson on this production. On paper, it probably sounds good for these actors. What Brad lacks in performances with dialogue, he made up for the performance scenes. It was electrifying, obviously an homage to Jimi Hendrix. Over all the production design looks good with the exception for a few SyFy worthy digital effects. But I am willing to ignore it. Overall it is an OK classical musician's biography best suited for the super hero generation.

*Possible Spoiler Alert!!*I happened by this film on accident while going through lists of movies. I'd heard Niccolo Paganini's compositions in the past and figured I'd give the film a try. MAGNIFICENT! The actors in this portrayed their parts with such passion and delicacy. The music is heavenly.. Takes your soul on a journey. If you're a fan of classical music, dramatic movies, and immense feels, then this is definitely a film you should watch. I do believe I'll watch it again soon. The tricky Devil was a character who will play with your mind over and over. Betrayal and heartbreak was woven into this film as well, as you see with many dramas. Absolutely perfect. Must find it on DVD.

This can be seen as a parable, as a story that does ring true for any artist. Being good at something might not be enough. You might need a little help to push you over a certain edge/line, to become what you always dreamt you can (or could) be. Or main character is not exactly someone we might fall in love in (not sexually that is, just liking him is proving difficult most of the time).But there are reasons he acts (plays) the way he does. There is certain downfalls that befall a person that is easily deceived. Or had a certain tendency to be too full of themselves. Of course there might be a light at the end of the tunnel. The question is if one can reach that end of the tunnel ... A nice movie that could have tried to tell a bit more, than it actually does. As it is, it's a decent movie with fine performances.

We just saw this movie. I am a Designer and Artist to the core. What no one said here till now, is how drop dead gorgeous and yes maybe a bit "plastic" the director turned David Garrett in this movie. And made the best of Joely Richardson. And have you "seen on you tube " Nicole Scherzinger singing the aria. And even the story maybe a tad on the "too obvious" side but it done in a real very clever way and one is dragged at moment between asking one self is it play or a new filmed version like all the "Shakespeare" have been turned into..The lights and visions are conveyed with real quality. It made me dig deeper for several hours discovering very good music and plenty of entertainment and that is what I want from my movies. The costumes are plentiful and the decor detailed and every hairdresser should have wanted to style the David's gorgeous head of curls that look so very stunning in dark. It could make a way more sexy add for a leading shampoo brand that all these boring muses shaking their manes. Really ladies and gents this is a movie for relaxing and visually enjoying with a twist of love and passion and money dealing that Artist will associate with.