| By Rachel Galvin The aptly named film “The Musicans” is a character study on four classical musicians who find themselves out of tune … with each other. The foursome is sought after for their brilliance in their field by a wealthy woman named Astrid, played by acclaimed actress Valérie Donzelli, who decides to realize her late-father’s dream–to create a one-of-a-kind concert in a church utilizing Stradivarius instruments she has worked painstakingly to bring together. The instruments and the musicians are rare finds, true priceless gems, but it seems that when it comes to the musicians at least, their price may be too steep. These four turn quiet melody into cacophony, as their personalities clash, leaving Astrid wondering if this dream will ever become a reality. It seems more like a nightmare. Each musician, like a unique instrument, plays a different tune. George (Mathieu Spinosi), the Grammy Award-winning violinst, is full of himself, a bit brash, bold and pedantic. His opposition it seems is fellow violinist Apoline Dessarte (Emma Ravier), a newbie to the field, who has just as much ego but in a quieter more playful demeanor. She spends her time trying to get him in an unwanted selfie in between creating videos of herself, tossing asunder his feeling of control. Their cat and mouse game disrupts everyone. Meanwhile, cellist Lise (Marie Vialle) and violinist Peter Nicolescu (Daniel Garlitsky) have a quieter, more brooding game of their own. Former colleagues and one-time lovers, the bitterness remains. Peter adds another element to the mix. He is blind and only plays instruments he knew before he lost his sight. This new instrument is not one he has worked with in the past. When the clash between these musicians becomes too much, Astrid seeks the assistance of the only one she feels can help bring them together, the composer, played by acclaimed actor Frédéric Pierrot. But he wants nothing to do with that old piece he barely recalls. When he changes his tune, he brings a fifth ego into the mix, adding a new element to the conflict and making the concert seem even further away from becoming the masterpiece Astrid hopes it will become. The interplay between these characters sways the viewer back and forth much like the bow upon a violin. Each note adds to the overall not-so-melodious melody, as sprightly staccatos hop above the more deeply played underbelly, and instead of succumbing and becoming a part of the whole, they fight to stand their ground. The conflict is underplayed but noticeable. The tension is palpable. The actors in this musical comedy treat their characters with subtlety, as their tussle for individuality rolls tumultuously toward synergy. The plot is simple but the personalities bring it to life, as does the music. The actors are each classically trained and perform an original composition by César Awards nominated music composer Grégoire Hetzel. Their musical prowess seems equal to their acting chops. Classical music lovers and anyone who has struggled to work in a team of any kind will most appreciate this film, which is set in a gorgeous villa in the French countryside. The movie is told in French with English subtitles, and will screen starting August 8 exclusively at Coral Gables Art Center. For more information, visit https://gablescinema.com or visit www.outsiderpictures.us/movie/the-musicians. |
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Entertainment
Film Review: “The Musicians”
