The highly acclaimed and famously eccentric classical pianist Glenn Gould is the subject of this idiosyncratic film portrait. As the title suggests, Gould's life is explored through a series of thirty-two self-contained but interrelated vignettes, a structure inspired by Bach's "Goldberg Variations," the compositions that were the basis for one of Gould's most famous recordings. Fictional recreations, many starring an excellent Colm Feore as Gould, follow the musician from his precocious
childhood to his early death at the age of fifty. Juicy biographical details like a surprising early retirement from public performance and an addiction to prescription drugs are featured prominently, but equal attention is paid to Gould's challenging theoretical ideas. Director Francois Girard refuses to provide easy explanations for the pianist's quirks, instead using his unconventional structure to provide great insight while suggesting the real Gould remains essentially unknowable. Especially interesting is the film's mix of dramatization and documentary, as it juxtaposes its fictional recreations with actual interviews with Gould's friends and associates. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
The film's strategy is to present many diverse fragments about Gould, each capturing an aspect of his artistry and/or personality, so that the cumulative effect would give the viewer a glimpse of the man and his times.
A really original and well crafted film with a great performance by Colm Feore. I didn't know a lot about this Gould guy, but I am pretty sure that I would want to beat the shit out of him if I met him. I am not a fan of eccentric people who really have no reason to be eccentric other than the fact that they are
talented at something.
July 1, 2008
Tim Sigur
Super Reviewer
I have such mixed feelings about this film. The musical selection was perfect. Glenn Gould has always been one of my favorite pianists and his music brings this film to life. As for the actual film...sigh. It's a highly artsy film that bites off more than it can chew - the usual problem with films in this genre. It
tends to capitalize upon Gould's eccentricities rather than look into the real man and thus achieves a highly surfacy effect. So, I don't know. If I looked at this as a 93 minute concert, it was magnificent, but as a movie, it fails. But I can't say I didn't enjoy the film; I would watch it again in a heartbeat.
No quotes approved yet for Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould. Logged in users can submit quotes.
Submit a Quote from 'Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould'
A quote can be a single line from one character or a memorable dialog between several characters. Please make your quotes accurate. Quotes will be submitted for approval by the RT staff.
Example:
Luke: Alright. I'll give it a try. Yoda: No. Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.
