The Devil's Violinist

source: The Devil's Violinist

Nicolo Paganini, born in 1782, was a genuine child prodigy, learning Mandolin and Violin at the ages of 5 and 6. By the time he was 13 he traveled about Italy to find the best teachers but they told him he was too advanced, they could not teach him. He was certainly the best and most known violinist of the late 1700s and early 1800s. And many still think that he remains the best violinist of all time. In fact he was so good that some people of that period were sure he had a pact with the dEVIL. And it even prevented him, upon his death, to have a Christian burial. And that is the significance of the title of this movie. It takes the life of the real violinist, Nicolo Paganini, and weaves in a fictional story about his special appearance in London, where he also met a young soprano, but was destined for love unfulfilled. The star, and one of the producers, is actual concert violinist David Garrett as the adult Niccolò Paganini. Garrett himself was a child prodigy of sorts and when you see him play he can do remarkable things, Paganini-like things, with the violin. He is not an experienced actor, yet he does fine in the role, and this movie could not have been realistically made without someone of his caliber. When we see him playing famous, complex Paganini compositions, we see Garrett playing them himself. I am a musician, my father was a violinist, it makes a difference to have a real virtuoso musician in the role. In this fictional story, early in his performance career, Paganini receives a lukewarm reception from a crude crowd, who would rather hear his barnyard composition. But he meets Jared Harris as Urbani, wearing a black cape with red accents, he looks and feels like the dEVIL. He makes a pact with Paganini, he will serve him and help make him famous if he will agree to serve Urbani after he dies. (In a later scene Urbani says he is not the dEVIL but works for him.) The other nice touch is young American operatic singer Andrea Deck as Charlotte Watson, the young lady Paganini falls in love with in London as he stays as her father's house guest. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, especially the music. There is a great lull as the story is established, up until about 54 minutes, but then there is a great scene where Paganini is in a hostile pub in London, then he mesmerizes everyone with his playing. Then around 1:12 to around 1:24 more music at the concert in London. I know this is a fictional story built on the real Paganini, but it is a great glimpse into who this violin master might have been.

I waited a month for my copy and as it was not a USA region, watched on a large laptop. I am sure I did not get the full impact of the big screen and can imagine the full glory of the production. This movie title is not to be missed. It's the first of it's kind and a tribute to musical style long lost and resurrected as surely only David can provide. From my perspective as a learned musician he is the only modern living choice to play the part. While at times the movie may seem dark and perhaps entirely to brief considering the Paginini lived to be in his 50's, I think it's the correct snap shot. If you have an inclination to go back in time and witness musical history, this movie is for you.

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.

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.

Today we can't hear the performance of Paganini, there are only different interpretations. Fortunately, this virtuoso and composer has written on sheet many of his works. I think the violin and her virtuoso are most important in this story. Everything else is just background. Yes, this background has flaws, but they are in the details. The feeling of the era is truthful and powerful. Playing and compositions of David Garrett - they are compelling. I will remember this movie primarily with the music. Moreover - if Paganini could choose an artist to fulfill his role, he would probably prefer the same musician. David Garrett don't play himself - he has dedicated himself to Paganini in this film.

Please, if you are one of those that won't watch a movie simply because it has bad reviews, DON'T watch this. This movie had dimension and a great backstory that most people seemed not to notice. Well, the synopsis covered everything, all the roles were well played except for the lead role himself, Niccolo, but that is passable since he did not have a lot of lines. I got mashed up at a point during the movie when the reporter got jealous, then I got the plan. The mastermind behind this entire movie is Urbani!!!! That is what should have been standing out to those viewers who just look at the superficial and physical. If anything, try looking at Urbani as the devil in this movie. He freaking asked for Niccolo's soul to be signed to him for the afterlife at the beginning of the movie. That alone got me hooked to see if Niccolo could get his soul back, maybe through the pure love Charlotte had for him. He was foolish though, and Urbani made sure he died not at a ripe and old age by encouraging him in acts of drugs and sex and using it as an avenue to spike his 'medication'. That was ANOTHER critical minor detail that should get all the viewer's attention. Other characters in this movie did well, Urbani brought everything together with all the snide comments he made at all Niccolo's outbursts. Another big clue!!! All i have to say is if you end up watching the movie, keep a close attention on all Urbani's words, lines, actions, behaviour, etc, and the movie will make more sense. At the end of the movie, it was written in German that Paganini's body was not allowed to be buried in 'consecrated ground', now if that doesn't tell you what happened to Paganin's soul, I don't know what will. I liked the movie, but its not something that's worth multiple views.

To be honest, I'm so astonished with the avg vote of this fabulous movie! I mean, why? Why in God's name should this movie get 6.1?? Do the voters not get it anyway? Do they know anything about Violin? Paganini ? There are always some weaknesses but 6.1?! How's that possible? David Garret might not be as expert as super stars, but ... I don't get you people ! I think the movie was awesome... The resemblance of David Garret's performance to Paganini's is the most fascinating point of the movie. Moreover, the character "charlote" sings way passionate... Therefore, I believe that there should always be some sorts of selection in voters, some people can't realize the objectives of a movie, they are only seeking for some routines, which would enthuse them...

He is a very poor actor. His acting in this film was exact the opposite of his natural talent playing with his violin, maybe the worst ever actor I've ever seen so far. This film was also doomed and suffered from a very bad screenplay at the very beginning. The only thing that was so out of the world in this film was his crazy talent with the violin. You should watch and enjoy what he did in this film with his music but not his acting which in fact, was just terrible.

*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.