July 23, 2003
COPYING BEETHOVEN
Screenplay by Stephen J. Rivele & Christopher Wilkinson
Synopsis by Brian Aldrich
In the manuscript room of the British Museum, researcher SARA WHITLOCK informs curator CODD that Beethoven's last copyist was a woman - ANNA FREISS.
In Vienna 1825, Anna Freiss, an aspiring composer in an era when female composers didn't stand a chance of success, studies at the conservatory and lives in a convent where her provincial family thinks she will be safe from the city's evils. Dying music publisher WENZEL SCHLEMMER hires her to be a copyist for BEETHOVEN, the "beast" who is in the process of finishing his 9th Symphony. Deaf and eccentric Beethoven thinks he is a god and treats everyone with contempt and abuse. When Anna arrives, he doesn't take her seriously until he reads her improvements to the pages of his score she copied. He realizes she knows his soul like no other before. When Beethoven is not working in his filthy apartment, he drinks at his friend KRENSKI's tavern and has sex with barmaid MAGDA. He confides to his Bohemian friend RUDY that Anna was sent to him by God.
At the convent, MOTHER CANISIUS cautions her about working for Beethoven and getting too romantically involved with MARTIN BAUER, her engineer boyfriend who she hopes to marry after he wins the ARCHDUKE's competition with his designs for a new bridge. Schlemmer begs Anna not to show Beethoven any of her own compositions until after the 9th's premiere. Besides himself and his work, Beethoven is obsessed with his nephew KARL, a weak young man addicted to gambling and morphine who would rather live a normal life than become a talentless musician. Not showing respect or affection, he only visits his uncle to beg money from him. Beethoven, blind to Karl's contempt, treats him like a favorite son, lavishing money, praise, and promise on him. Even when Anna catches Karl stealing money from Beethoven's apartment, Beethoven refuses to believe Karl is anything less than a promising artist. As Anna and Beethoven work together, they begin to speak to one another with great frankness and truth.
When Beethoven insists on conducting the premier of the 9th even though his deafness may cause him to lose track with the orchestra, Anna helps him, guiding him from the stage manager's podium. The performance is a huge success. Even Martin and Karl are reduced to tears by the beauty of Beethoven's music. Still, Martin expresses his dislike of her association with Beethoven as well as her aspirations. Having nothing but praise for her help, Beethoven and Anna begin work on his new series of quartets. Anna shows him one of her own compositions. Unthinking Beethoven ridicules her attempt and she is so humiliated that she flees his studio ready to give up her aspirations and return to the provinces a failure. Beethoven realizes his mistake and wants her back. His rehearsal with the Schuppanzigh Quartet doesn't go well. Dying Schlemmer begs Anna to return to Beethoven. After Schlemmer dies, Beethoven apologizes to Anna and she agrees to return to work with him. Certain he is creating a new way to consider music, Beethoven shares his genius with her. Mesmerized, Anna offers her body to him, but he turns her down, explaining their relationship is spiritual, not physical. When Beethoven learns Karl is suicidal, he runs to his aid, but Karl rejects him. Beethoven's health begins to decline. Anna nurses him as they work together on his final composition. Despite his failing health, Beethoven shows up to the Archduke's competition and embarrasses Martin, questioning his artistic integrity and smashing the model of his bridge. After she confronts Beethoven, he helps her with her own work. They finish his composition. The Quartet is premiered at the Archduke's palace, but the audience doesn't like or understand the work. Anna learns her own father is dying, but decides to visit Beethoven on his deathbed. Karl says goodbye. Beethoven gives Anna a final encouragement. Anna finishes her symphony. In the present, Sara Whitlock premieres Anna's symphony.
Summary Criticism: While frequently as indulgent and talky as Beethoven himself, the script is well-crafted and the relationship of the two main characters is enchanting to watch develop. The themes of art and love are honorable and uplifting.
Copying Beethoven - imdb
Stephen J. Rivele - imdb
Christopher Wilkinson - imdb
No comments:
Post a Comment