I don't know anything about Paganini, but I doubt whether a single scene from this completely unconvincing script ever actually happened in real life.
It is set in 1830's London, with obviously painted outdoor sets and street scenes, and of course, because it's London, it's permanently foggy - this is a film that never misses an opportunity to throw in a cliché.
Joely Richardson has an odd role as a Times reporter - did they really have women reporters in those days? To make it even less believable, she has a modern day hair cut like she's just had a perm at Toni & Guy! A number of the other characters also have non-period coffeurs. The lead actor, David Garrett sports a three-day beard - were they fashionable amongst the middle class in those days?
Someone thought they were being clever casting violinist Garrett in the lead role,forgetting to check whether he had the primary skill an actor requires. As a violinist he is famous, but I personally don't like his populist, showy style. His playing, like his acting, lacks genuine passion and depth. A "hooked on classics" style of playing.
No wonder this dross went straight to DVD. And a good thing too as at least that gives you the advantage of being able to fast forward when you start getting bored - which will be fairly often!
It is set in 1830's London, with obviously painted outdoor sets and street scenes, and of course, because it's London, it's permanently foggy - this is a film that never misses an opportunity to throw in a cliché.
Joely Richardson has an odd role as a Times reporter - did they really have women reporters in those days? To make it even less believable, she has a modern day hair cut like she's just had a perm at Toni & Guy! A number of the other characters also have non-period coffeurs. The lead actor, David Garrett sports a three-day beard - were they fashionable amongst the middle class in those days?
Someone thought they were being clever casting violinist Garrett in the lead role,forgetting to check whether he had the primary skill an actor requires. As a violinist he is famous, but I personally don't like his populist, showy style. His playing, like his acting, lacks genuine passion and depth. A "hooked on classics" style of playing.
No wonder this dross went straight to DVD. And a good thing too as at least that gives you the advantage of being able to fast forward when you start getting bored - which will be fairly often!