Seymour: An Introduction (2014)

Meet Seymour Bernstein: a beloved pianist, teacher and true inspiration who shares eye-opening insights from an amazing life. Ethan Hawke helms this poignant guide to life.

Director:

Ethan Hawke

Stars:

Seymour Bernstein, Ethan Hawke, Sam Bachelor

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Seymour Bernstein	...	Self
Ethan Hawke	...	Self
Sam Bachelor	...	Self
Jiyang Chen	...	Self
Kimball Gallagher	...	Self
Andrew Harvey	...	Self
Junko Ichikawa	...	Self
Michael Kimmelman	...	Self
Joseph Smith	...	Self
Joel Bernache	...	Self
Ronald Coners	...	Self
Marcia Eckert	...	Self
Cong Ji	...	Self
Liam Kaplan	...	Self
Aileen Li	...	Self

Storyline

Director Ethan Hawke explores the life and lessons of piano teacher Seymour Bernstein.

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Plot Keywords:

master class | reference to moses | reference to buddha | publicity photograph | stage fright | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some mild thematic elements

Did You Know?

Trivia

The title of the film comes from the J. D. Salinger novella, Seymour: An Introduction.

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Quotes

Seymour Bernstein: In contemplating my own connection to music, I always return to the same answer: universal order. If the heavenly constellations offer us visual proof of this order, then music must be its aural manifestation. Through its language we become one with the stars.

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Connections

Referenced in Late Night with Seth Meyers: Ethan Hawke/Kumail Nanjiani/Dwight Yoakam/Jeremy Gara (2015)

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Soundtracks

Impromptu In A Flat Major, D.899 No. 4
written by Franz Schubert
performed by Clifford Curzon
courtesy of Decca Music Group Ltd.
under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

must see for every artist (and/or emotionally erudite human)

I wept, equally of joy and sadness, for most of an hour and forty minutes. Sit up front and go alone. See it at a theater only. This film is so quiet and delicate...and it just sneaks up on you and goes right through into your heart, gut, soul. It may be the most extraordinary film I've ever seen on the subject of artistry, creativity and its inner workings.....and I've see a few greats:(Frida, Turner, Vivian Maier, etc.)

'Seymour' is about devotion, love, inspiration. And it's big secret is that it GIVES THIS RIGHT TO YOU as you bear witness, if you let it get inside. You cannot go back into the world now. Well, not for a while. Not until you get over to the musical instrument, the pen or type, the camera, the canvas, the clay.

Ethan Hawke....what are you doing to us? The understated, magnificent director you have become! Thank you for this.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 September 2015 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

Seymour: An Introduction

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$26,587, 15 March 2015

Gross USA:

$743,541

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$907,742

Company Credits

Production Co:

Room 5 Films, Under the Influence

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Color:

Color