Lecture 21 (2008)
"Lezione 21" (original title)

A student takes a bizarre trip through the Italian Alps after being inspired by a professor's lecture on Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" from his Ninth Symphony.

Director:

Alessandro Baricco

Writer:

Alessandro Baricco

Stars:

John Hurt, Noah Taylor, Leonor Watling

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Hurt	...	Mondrian Kilroy
Noah Taylor	...	Peters
Leonor Watling	...	Marta
Clive Russell	...	Hoffmeister
Rasmus Hardiker	...	Broderip
Clive Riche	...	Imbault
Matthew T. Reynolds	...	Goetz
Tim Barlow	...	Simrock
Natalia Tena	...	Thomson
Andy Gathergood	...	Schott 1
Daniel Tuite	...	Schott 2
Phyllida Law	...	Boheme
Adrian Moore	...	Piggot
Franco Pistoni	...	Weigl
Chiara Paoli	...	Girl of the Lake

Storyline

A student takes a bizarre trip through the Italian Alps after being inspired by a professor's lecture on Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" from his Ninth Symphony.

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Plot Keywords:

student | symphony | beethoven | snow | digit in title | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Italy UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 October 2008 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Lecture 21

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fandango, Potboiler Productions, Rai Cinema

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

A splendid and beautiful film about Beethoven's Ninth

Baricco -an amazing writer who has worked a lot on music- did in Lezione 21 a beautiful, compelling and touching essay about Beethoven's Ninth. With amazing images, obviously incredible music, and clarity, he takes the viewer in a trip through the most famous symphony of all times.

I can understand why some were bored by the film. It is not a fictional film in itself, nor is it a documentary. It is a literary essay transformed into images and music, using every resource needed -beautiful photography and surprising scenes, vintage characters that explain their time, and a literary quality that few have achieved, all building an insightful, passionate explanation of music.

Baricco did a film that is not essential for a movie lover, but it is a must for anyone who wants to fathom the importance, the beauty and the strength of Beethoven's Ninth.