The Devil's Violinist (2013)

hyped garbage

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

I waited a month for my copy and as it was not a USA region, watched on a large laptop. I am sure I did not get the full impact of the big screen and can imagine the full glory of the production. This movie title is not to be missed. It's the first of it's kind and a tribute to musical style long lost and resurrected as surely only David can provide. From my perspective as a learned musician he is the only modern living choice to play the part. While at times the movie may seem dark and perhaps entirely to brief considering the Paginini lived to be in his 50's, I think it's the correct snap shot. If you have an inclination to go back in time and witness musical history, this movie is for you.

"The Devil's Violinist" is a 2013 Foreign film and it is currently available on NetFlix Instant Download Streaming. The director is Bernard Rose. Bernard Rose is the writer as well. The cast includes David Garrett as Niccolo Paganini, Jared Harris, Joely Richardson, Christian McKay, Veronica Ferres, Helmut Berger, Olivia d'Abo, Andrea Deck, Thomas Anton, Peter R. Bishop, Peter Bosch, Ben Cura, David Godden, Stephen Hastings, Franziska Huber, Ian Hughes, Tim Jefferis, Elizabeth Kinnear, Onal Koc, Fanny Krausz, Makhare Alexander Ninidze, Kristian Portz, Oskar Ricketts, Ajia Sowinski, Andrew Tienan and Leopold Josef Paul Berger. The story revolves around the 18th century virtuoso violinist, Niccolo Paganini and his life is portrayed as a gambling, drug using playboy. I have no idea about the truthfulness of the picture, but I gave it a 9 star rating for the beautiful musical interludes. Dale Haufrect

We did not hold out much hope for this after reading the reviews. Gratefully, the reviews, as they are quite often, were, in my opinion, wrong. It is beyond me how these negative reviews make it past the smell test. The performance of the music was as visually captivating as it was sonically beautiful. The acting was more than passable and the direction was as good as any. Anyone with slightest knowledge of Paganini, or anyone who bothered to even look up his name on wikipedia, would understand that this movie summarized his life with artistic license. The story itself was a composite of real events, failures and triumphs. In short, if critics loved Amadeus ( truly pitiful depiction of reality with hyperbolic acting antics throughout) and hate this movie, then I will never fathom their trade.

*Possible Spoiler Alert!!*I happened by this film on accident while going through lists of movies. I'd heard Niccolo Paganini's compositions in the past and figured I'd give the film a try. MAGNIFICENT! The actors in this portrayed their parts with such passion and delicacy. The music is heavenly.. Takes your soul on a journey. If you're a fan of classical music, dramatic movies, and immense feels, then this is definitely a film you should watch. I do believe I'll watch it again soon. The tricky Devil was a character who will play with your mind over and over. Betrayal and heartbreak was woven into this film as well, as you see with many dramas. Absolutely perfect. Must find it on DVD.