Name: Retro Film Review: The Red Violin (1998)
Item: The Red Violin
Rating: 40
Author: @drax

(source:tmdb.org)

Many connoisseurs of fine music complain that today, unlike the good old days, talent is less important than technology. But even in times without sound mixing studios many music talents couldn't properly manifest themselves without fine instruments. Modern audience is reminded of that in The Red Violin, a 1998 Canadian drama directed by François Girard.

Plot is set in modern-day Montreal where the old violin is being auctioned off. Among the experts gathered for the occasion is Charles Moritz (played by Samuel L. Jackson), hired by the auction house to establish the real value of the "Red Violin". The instrument had been made in 1681 by famous Italian master Nicolo Busotti (played by Carlo Cecchi) for his pregnant wife Anna (played by Irene Grazioli). But even at that time the instrument began to bring misfortune to any of its owners. The curse continues in different times and different places, ranging from 18th Century Vienna to China during the Cultural Revolution. During those perilous times the violin barely escaped destruction at the hands of Red Guards. The auction and intrigues around it are only another chapter in the violin's long history.

Girard, filmmaker famous for his 32 Short Films About Glenn Gould, is hardly a stranger to classic music. He and his screenwriter Don McKellar also had experience with unconventional narrative techniques, so it isn't that surprising to find a non-linear plot in The Red Violin. A lot of effort is invested in this film, especially in the reconstruction of different periods in different parts of the world. John Coriglano's music is also very effective in creating the film's general atmosphere. The acting is also good, especially in the case of Jackson who gives a very convincing portrayal of a dedicated art connoisseur.

Unfortunately, all that isn't enough for The Red Violin to be a great piece of cinema. Actually, The Red Violin fails even to be a merely satisfying film. The decision to have the story of one violin being told through five different episodes didn't prove to be the most fortunate. Those episodes are too short and the audience can't find enough time to start sympathising with characters. The connection between the episodes isn't handled very well; the episode dealing with the Chinese Cultural Revolution seems like an afterthought or lame attempt to add some cheap politics to something which is supposed to be pure art. Although incomprehensible at times and disappointing at the end, The Red Violin is a watchable film. But the ranks of people who could truly appreciate and enjoy this film are very thin.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on June 8th 2004)