Quartet, the movie

Subject: RE: Quartet, the movie
From: Larry The Radio Guy
Date: 26 Jun 13 - 01:05 AM

I saw the movie too....enjoyed it, but like Jim Dixon, was disappointed that they didn't sing at the end.   And Dustin Hoffman probably could learn a thing or two about pacing. But the performances were great! (I didn't see anyone texting at the cinema where I saw it).

But this thread reminded me of another movie that came out around the same time, called "A Late Quartet"---about a string quartet. It was absolutely exquisite. An inspired performance by Christopher Walken. Also great were Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, and Mark Ivanier.

Did any of you see it?

Subject: RE: Quartet, the movie
From: Ron Davies
Date: 25 Jun 13 - 11:02 PM

Our local classical station was plugging it, so on the strength of nothing but that, Jan and I bought it before it was actually released to DVD.   Sounds like we won't be disappointed--didn't think we would be.    We buy lots of movies about music--that's what I push for at any rate--everything from "School of Rock" to "Hear My Song." (Both delightful) . I figure if you will watch it 4 times in your lifetime, you might as well buy it.   And DVD's have all sorts of great extras.

Added to which I keep hearing worse and worse things about seeing movies in an actual movie theatre.    Most recent wonderful addition to the movie experience (confirmed by two sources) is that kids now go to movies and text all the way through.   Non-texters say it's like being in a room with a Christmas tree--and if you try to do anything about it, you can easily wind up in a fight.

Subject: RE: Quartet, the movie
From: Mrrzy
Date: 25 Jun 13 - 10:42 PM

Oops, that was me that started this.

Cissy being so out of it was part of the fun... Reg, she's gone walkabout!

Subject: RE: Quartet, the movie
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Jun 13 - 10:10 PM

I loved it, too. I was a little disappointed, though, that we didn't actually get to hear the 4 actors sing at the end. OK, I realize they probably don't really have operatic voices, and never did, but I think I would have enjoyed it even if they had sung badly. And I don't mean the playing-for-laughs kind of badness; I mean the kind that tries for greatness even if it falls short.

The whole point of the film was that art isn't necessarily about maintaining the highest standards. (If that's what it was, Maggie Smith would have been right to refuse to sing.) Sometimes it is about just doing what you love, regardless of the quality. Who has not been deeply moved by hearing a poor singer put his whole heart into a song?

Long ago, when I was learning guitar, and trying to encourage myself to sing, I put a sticker on the headstock (up by the tuning pegs) where only I could see it, that bore this quote from William Blake: EXUBERANCE IS BEAUTY.

Here's another quote I picked up somewhere: ANYTHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH DOING BADLY.

Subject: RE: Quartet, the movie
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 25 Jun 13 - 09:08 PM

I enjoyed this movie, too. It was Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut, and he did well.

Subject: RE: Quartet, the movie
From: jacqui.c
Date: 25 Jun 13 - 02:41 PM

This is a lovely movie - I was disappointed that it wasn't at my local cinemas but then Redbox had it and I had a great evening watching.

All four main characters were superb - Ive always loved watching them act and to see them together was a real treat. I recognised quite a few of the other faces - Michael Gambon was so good in this film.

This is one I shall watch out for on DVD when the price goes down a little.

Subject: RE: Quartet, the movie
From: GUEST,bankley
Date: 25 Jun 13 - 01:49 PM

I fookin' loved it. The only real violence was when Sissy got hit in the head with wyldeflowers. Beautiful.

Subject: Quartet, the movie
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jun 13 - 01:45 PM

Anybody see this lovely film about a bunch of musicians in an old folks home? It had both Professors McGonigal and Dumbledore, and I could have sworn Loony Lovegood was there too...