Eroica is one of Beethovens most misunderstood compositions but this fantastic production depicts the first performance perfectly. Ian Hart plays the genius as he was, scruffy, un-kemt and bad tempered yet passionate about his music and suffering greatly. All the characters were well played, especially Haydn, and the music was sublime. Many of the happenings in the production, such as Reis shouting at the horn then getting told off, were based on true events. Pay close attention to the scene where the composer talks to the countess, when the countess refuses his proposal we can hear the beginning of the scherzo, as if it is being created by the pain Beethoven feels (aso a bit of irony because scherzo means joke in Italian). Wonderfully made and a delight to watch!!!!!!
Reviews
3 Reviews
The Satanic Rites of Dracula
(1973)
Not Recommended
18 April 2005
This is the worst of all of the Hammer productions. It moves slow, puts a good story to shame and lacks originality. The only thing keeping this film going is the presence of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. The kings of horror make this film slightly better, but not much because of the lack of Lee/Dracula. Even placed in a terrible film, Christopher Lee still manages to make our hairs stand on end. His portrayal as Count Dracula still doesn't quite match Bela Lugosi's or indeed Max Shreck's, but he only has to look at you with those piercing eyes to make u believe he is Dracula. However even Lee's best efforts cant save this film. You actually feel embarrassed for the two kings, dropped in such an awful film that wastes there talent. Poor all round!!
A Chilling Work of Art
18 April 2005
Nosferatu. The very mention of the name strikes fear in ones heart, and so it should. This chilling master piece is one of the most frightening films created. Although silent, what it lacks in sound it makes up for in atmosphere. You shudder when the grotesque vampire comes on screen but cant help but watch due to the amazing costume and make-up. No cape was needed for this terrifying count, he makes our skin crawl without the use of blood and creepy accents. His very presence makes us want to reach for the light switch. The infamous scene when the vampire rises unaided from his chest is one of the most frightening images of a monster ever pictured. The feeding scenes are equally as frightening and allot we see no blood, little is left to the imagination. A historic master- piece. Well worth viewing.
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