94. In Search Of Chopin; movie review

IN SEARCH OF CHOPIN
Cert TBA
115 mins
BBFC advice: TBA

I knew the name but didn't know the story - in fact, I wasn't even aware that Frederic Chopin was Polish.
Not only is he, but, thanks to Phil Grabsky's documentary, I am now clear that he is a national hero.
The relaunch of the In Search Of series coincides with the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven.
Following shortly after the thorough history of Mozart, comes this chronicle of the life of the sickly piano genius Chopin.
It takes us from his birth in the Polish countryside through his childhood and on to successes across Europe, punctuated by his fight with tuberculosis and loneliness.
Grabsky's movie follows the same pattern as the others in the series - offering the perspective of renowned authorities on Chopin's life and work.
Some even demonstrate the quality of a particular piece at the piano and they all testify to how hard his music is to play.
Juliet Stephenson narrates the key sections which are punctuated by readings from Chopin's many letters home to Poland - he found it impossible to return during much of his life because of political upheaval.
It also highlights his ill-fated flirtations with romance, including his most long-lasting relationship with the flamboyant author whose nom-de-plume was George Sand and was said to be the most famous woman in France.
These Grabsky documentaries really don't leave any stone unturned and give the audience explanations which I think is so often missing in fly-on-the-wall films.
They look good with contemporary shots of the relevant cities as well as leaning to the past through paintings, drawings and, in this case, the one existing photograph of Chopin.
Their only minus point is that the interviewees are academics who are a tad lecturer-like in their analyses.
Nevertheless, I am now more informed than I could have expected about one of the great figures in musical history.
If such a notion ticks your box, this is for you.

Reasons to watch: Detailed appreciation of a musical genius
Reasons to avoid: Academic rather than entertaining

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? Chopin was so shy, he played the piano in the dark throughout his entire life. He would always put out the candles in the room, and even when playing at an event or party, he would ask to extinguish the light in the room.

The final word. Eva Rubinstein: "I just finished watching the entire Chopin film, and found it really wonderful, especially the words spoken by Leif Ove Andsnes and Lars Vogt about their feelings when actually playing Chopin’s music, which were extremely moving to me, words my father would certainly have both appreciated and thoroughly agreed with.  Congratulations on this wonderful film!" Seventh Art

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