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Copying Beethoven (2006)
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Overview
Tagline:
The passion behind the genius morePlot:
A fictionalized account of the last year of Beethoven's life. full summary | full synopsis (warning! may contain spoilers)Awards:
1 win & 3 nominations moreUser Comments:
I loved the film -- Read Maynard Solomon if you want historical accuracy moreCast
(Credited cast)| Diane Kruger | ... | Anna Holtz | |
| Ralph Riach | ... | Wenzel Schlemmer | |
| Matyelok Gibbs | ... | Old Woman | |
| Ed Harris | ... | Ludwig van Beethoven | |
| Bill Stewart | ... | Rudy | |
| Angus Barnett | ... | Krenski | |
| Viktoria Dihen | ... | Magda | |
| Phyllida Law | ... | Mother Canisius | |
| Matthew Goode | ... | Martin Bauer | |
| Gábor Bohus | ... | Schuppanzigh | |
| Joe Anderson | ... | Karl van Beethoven | |
| David Kennedy | ... | Neighbor | |
| Nicholas Jones | ... | Archduke Rudolph | |
| László Áron | ... | Judge | |
| rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
| Karl Johnson | ... | Stefan Holtz | |
| George Mendel | ... | Doctor (as Gyorgy Mendel) | |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for some sexual elements.Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
104 minLanguage:
EnglishColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreSound Mix:
Dolby DigitalCertification:
Portugal:M/12 | Germany:6 | Australia:PG | USA:PG-13 | Netherlands:6 | Brazil:10 | Singapore:PG | South Korea:12 | Argentina:Atp | Hong Kong:IIA | UK:12A | Ireland:12AMOVIEmeter: 
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
In an interview with The Guardian on August 11, 2007, Ed Harris stated that his biggest disappointment has been "The distribution of Copying Beethoven in the US." He also claimed the most important lesson life has taught him is "Don't let MGM distribute a film you care about." moreGoofs:
Incorrectly regarded as goofs: When Beethoven is berating Schlemmer, he yells, "B-flat! B-flat! B-flat!" and hits a chord 3 times. The chord he hits on the piano sounds like a modern A-flat major chord, even though Beethoven is clearly hitting a chord with a top note of F. The reason for the discrepancy is probably because the pitch for tuning instruments has changed over time, and a frequency that would today be called an "A-flat" would have in Beethoven's time been something between an A and B-flat. moreFAQ
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I enjoyed "Copying Beethoven" for different reasons than I enjoyed "Eroica" (the Ninth was the focus of practically every moment) and "Immortal Beloved" (the conflict between the composer's passion for creating music and his human need to be connected to others). For me, the focus of "Copying Beethoven" combined these two themes into a much more personal one, and dramatized the Maestro's need to communicate a comprehensive knowledge -- intellectual, emotional, spiritual -- of his art to this young copyist who was so intimate with his work. For if not her, than who?
While the musical performances were truncated out of necessity -- the success of the film, "Eroica", is due primarily to the performance of the Third Symphony in its entirety -- the actors' performances in "Copying Beethoven" reveal aspects of Beethoven not explored in the other two films. Beethoven is always portrayed as a "cranky genius", but Harris' Beethoven is so human -- impulsive and brutish, then reflective and apologetic, then insensitive and crude, then regretful and humble -- someone trying not to make the same mistakes over again. The relation he develops with the copyist realistically (and thankfully) does not influence his music, but it does cause his character to focus on his humanity, and I so enjoyed hearing this Beethoven talk about things like music, musicians, family, and God.
A word about the other performances. Kruger was radiant. The conflict between her respect for the artist and repulsion at his cruelty was wonderfully mixed with her character's own strengths, ambitions, and needs. The supporting characters were also splendid with hilarious and touching moments. The film is full of delightful words and gestures. Whether you have read volumes of history on Beethoven or are only passingly familiar with the Fifth, I recommend you see this lovely film about the humanity that lived within the genius who infused music with life.