A Symphony of Talent and Ambition

Read Time:3 Minute, 13 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Pianoforte
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Jakub Piątek
Where To Watch: available January 9, 2024; pre-order here www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In PIANOFORTE, director Jakub Piątek shifts gears from his previous works of fiction to the gripping reality of the International Chopin Piano Competition. Set against the historical backdrop of Warsaw, the film transcends a mere technical showcase of skill, delving deep into the emotional and psychological experiences of the participating pianists. It’s an insightful journey into their quest for excellence, filled with personal highs and lows, showcasing their musical prowess and human vulnerabilities. As a sports fan, this was right up there with any sporting competition I could imagine; the anticipation and anxiety were incredible.

This documentary is far more than an exploration of competitive classical music. Piątek’s entry into the realm of the Chopin Piano Competition tackles a narrative rich in emotional depth and artistic struggle. It moves beyond performance, penetrating the hearts and minds of the musicians, revealing their inner worlds and the sacrifices made in the name of art.

The documentary is like a well-orchestrated symphony, with emotional crescendos and diminuendos. We meet six distinct pianists – Eva, Marcin, Hao, Michelle, Alexander, and Lenora – each bringing their unique flavor to the competition. They paint a vivid picture of the diversity and vibrancy of the classical music world. The film intertwines their stories, highlighting the physical rigors and the immense mental resilience required in such a prestigious competition.

PIANOFORTE excels in its humanization of these prodigious talents. The film extends beyond the piano to offer glimpses into the lives of its participants. These poignant moments remind us that these pianists are more than their technical skills; they are individuals with dreams, doubts, and lives beyond their performances. With every victory and every defeat equally as necessary, the film focuses on something beyond what the music is.

The editing seamlessly aligns with the film’s thematic core. The narrative transcends the pianists’ individual stories with the competition’s overarching theme, unveiling the often unseen aspects of musical contests – the stress, physical demands, and emotional turbulence inherent in such high-stakes environments. I surely never expected the “behind the scenes” of a music competition to rival the locker room of a sporting event.

One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its introspective take on music competitions. PIANOFORTE challenges measuring artistic expression in a field as complex as classical music. This contemplative approach deepens the narrative, encouraging viewers to reflect on the broader concepts of artistry, competition, and the essence of musical excellence.

The film effectively portrays the contestants’ dedication and pressures; the only knock I had is that I would have liked a deeper dive into the competitor’s personal stories. A more extensive exploration of their backgrounds and the impact of the competition on their lives would have added a more decadent, more nuanced layer to the narrative. Could it have covered fewer musicians or even broken this into an episodic form?

In its final cadence, PIANOFORTE emerges as an engaging and enlightening portrayal of the world of classical piano competitions. More than a display of technical skill, the film offers a window into the souls of those dedicated to the pursuit of musical greatness. Piątek’s directorial finesse crafts a documentary that is as much about the people behind the pianos as their musical achievements. It’s a must-watch for classical music enthusiasts and anyone who values exceptional talent and genuine human emotion.

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[photo courtesy of GREENWICH ENTERTAINMENT]