The Devil's Violinist (2013)

19th Century violinist and composer Niccolò Paganini incurs the wrath of his diabolical manager while preparing for his debut performance in London, and falling for the daughter of an English impresario.

Director:

Bernard Rose

Writer:

Bernard Rose

Stars:

David Garrett, Jared Harris, Joely Richardson

2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
David Garrett	...	Niccolò Paganini
Jared Harris	...	Urbani
Joely Richardson	...	Ethel Langham
Christian McKay	...	John Watson
Veronica Ferres	...	Elizabeth Wells
Helmut Berger	...	Lord Burghersh
Olivia d'Abo	...	Primrose Blackstone
Andrea Deck	...	Charlotte Watson
Kristian Portz	...	Fighter
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Thomas Anton	...	Burly Man
Peter R. Bishop	...	Journalist
Peter Bosch	...	Officer
Ben Cura	...	Charlotte's Husband
Jennifer Davison	...	Antonia Bianchi
Joe Geary	...	Coachman

Storyline

1830. Violin virtuoso and notorious womanizer Niccolò Paganini (David Garrett) is at the peak of his career, acclaimed throughout Europe. His name alone suggests countless affairs and scandals - which is exactly what his manager Urbani (Jared Harris) is doing his utmost to cultivate, for it is in his interest to market his famous client the best way possible. Only the London public has yet to be conquered. In a plan to lure Paganini to London for his British debut, English impresario John Watson (Christian McKay) and his mistress Elisabeth Wells (Veronica Ferres) risk all they own. Business-savvy Urbani ultimately manages to bring Paganini to the British capital, albeit against his will. And thanks to the rave reviews by journalist Ethel Langham (Joely Richardson), Urbani's strategy seems to be working better than he imagined. Protestors throng his hotel, causing pandemonium. Musician and manager are forced to take refuge at Watson's home, where Paganini quickly takes a liking to his ...

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Plot Keywords:

violinist | 19th century | love | london england | business manager | 

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Taglines:

Fame is desire, love is a curse

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Musical

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some strong sexuality/nudity, and for drug use

Did You Know?

Goofs

Limelight is used in several concert scenes (including showing the actual chunk of lime), but the film is set in 1830 and the first use of limelight for a performance of any kind was 1836 and for theater performance in 1837. Further, Paganini had ended his concert performances in 1834 and his lifestyle and health made it highly unlikely that he would have ever stood in the limelight before his death.

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Quotes

Niccolò Paganini: I'll tell you something about God's grace. God's grace. Your God. He has left me. He has given me a gift. And then left me in a world alone, has not understood this gift.

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Soundtracks

Nacqui All'Affano
(from the Opera "La Cenerentola")
Written by Gioachino Rossini
Performed by Michael Wieltschnig, Lisa Rombach,Jennifer Davison, Jens Waldig, Annette Schönmüller, Franck Van der Heijden, Münchner Rundfunkorchester
Arranged by David Garrett and Franck Van der Heijden

User Reviews

The music is the most important in this movie

Today we can't hear the performance of Paganini, there are only different interpretations. Fortunately, this virtuoso and composer has written on sheet many of his works.

I think the violin and her virtuoso are most important in this story. Everything else is just background. Yes, this background has flaws, but they are in the details. The feeling of the era is truthful and powerful. Playing and compositions of David Garrett - they are compelling. I will remember this movie primarily with the music.

Moreover - if Paganini could choose an artist to fulfill his role, he would probably prefer the same musician. David Garrett don't play himself - he has dedicated himself to Paganini in this film.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan] Official Website

Country:

Germany Italy

Language:

English French

Release Date:

30 January 2015 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Devil's Violinist

Filming Locations:

Vienna, Austria

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$8,013, 1 February 2015

Gross USA:

$11,294

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,952,097

Company Credits

Production Co:

Summerstorm Entertainment, Dor Film Produktionsgesellschaft, Construction Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color