Itzhak (2017)

A look at the life, work and religious heritage of violinist Itzhak Perlman.

Director:

Alison Chernick

Writers:

Alison Chernick, Helen Yum

Stars:

Itzhak Perlman, Toby Perlman, Alan Alda

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Itzhak Perlman	...	Self
Toby Perlman	...	Self
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Alan Alda	...	Self
Billy Joel	...	Self
Amnon Weinstein	...	Self

Storyline

A look at the life, work and religious heritage of violinist Itzhak Perlman.

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Plot Keywords:

stradivarius violin | playing violin | playing piano | playing the american national anthem | baseball | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Quotes

Amnon Weinstein: [listening to Perlman play the theme from Schindler's List] He got a gift. Because what he's doing there, it's not music. This is praying with a violin.

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Connections

Features The Ed Sullivan Show: Episode #12.8 (1958)

User Reviews

Enjoyable

The life of renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman is the subject of this documentary following Perlman and his family and friends as he and others reflect on his past as well as his current endeavors. The film follows his childhood in Israel dealing with a physical handicap due to polio and his family's eventual move to the USA. "Itzhak" is an Israeli/US co-production.

Perlman's magnificent talent and achievements easily make him a cultural icon. One of the wonderful surprises of this film is how unpretentious he is. He speaks in a very pleasant manner and could easily pass off as a friendly neighbour. He also shows a delightful sense of humour especially in a scene with long-time friend Alan Alda when he makes an observation about getting older.

This film includes wonderful footage including Perlman's appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" six decades ago when he was thirteen years old. In addition to paying tribute to the man, the film is also dedicated to the arts. There is a touching scene when Itzhak and his wife Toby explain how music moves the soul in ways that separate humans from other species.

There are many beautiful scenes of Perlman on the violin. My only wish is that at least one of them was played from beginning to end in this film. Otherwise, the movie is quite enjoyable. - dbamateurcritic

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Israel USA

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

9 March 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

Itzhak

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,350, 11 March 2018

Gross USA:

$607,290

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$704,968

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Masters Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Color:

Color Black and White (archive footage)