Just found this on an old VHS, and re-watched it with great pleasure. Evidently made on a shoestring budget, but Russell made the best of that by finding evocative locations (in the UK) and keeping the furnishings for the interior shots (bathroom, bedroom etc) stylishly minimalist. And he gets a big thumbs-up from me for choosing the idiosyncratic but passionate Jochum performances of the symphonies for the soundtrack.
Despite all the brickbats, Russell's musical biopics - for me - are genuinely deeply felt portrayals by someone who really loves and understands the music. This one deserves to be better known. How will posterity regard this quirky but lovable director?
Despite all the brickbats, Russell's musical biopics - for me - are genuinely deeply felt portrayals by someone who really loves and understands the music. This one deserves to be better known. How will posterity regard this quirky but lovable director?
