Vitus
Vitus
In this engaging drama from Switzerland, a child prodigy finds a unique way of dealing with being different. Vitus is no normal child. With a 180 IQ, a voracious appetite for knowledge, and a preternatural gift at playing the piano, he finds it hard to fit in with his peers. Like many parents of exceptional children, his mother and father (Julika Jenkins and Urs Jucker) are overbearing, eager to see their child succeed. But as his parents push and fellow children jeer, Vituss grandfather (Bruno Ganz, THE DOWNFALL) simply allows the boy to be himself.
Though VITUS follows the blueprint for childhood prodigy movies (such as SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER and the first act of SHINE) a bit too closely at times, its saved by a great cast and some interesting twists. As the 12-year-old Vitus, Teo Gheorghiu, himself a piano prodigy, heightens the sense of realism in the film. The classic music he plays is beautiful, and the actors playing itself is remarkable. Audiences used to seeing hand doubles in films about musicians will be presently surprised to see that there arent any cuts, displaying Gheorghius incredible talent. Veteran actor Ganz has literally played everything from an angel to Hitler in his decades-long career, and hes wonderful here as Vituss warm grandfather and best friend. As a result of great performances like these, its easy to see why VITUS was the Swiss entry to the Oscars.
Though VITUS follows the blueprint for childhood prodigy movies (such as SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER and the first act of SHINE) a bit too closely at times, its saved by a great cast and some interesting twists. As the 12-year-old Vitus, Teo Gheorghiu, himself a piano prodigy, heightens the sense of realism in the film. The classic music he plays is beautiful, and the actors playing itself is remarkable. Audiences used to seeing hand doubles in films about musicians will be presently surprised to see that there arent any cuts, displaying Gheorghius incredible talent. Veteran actor Ganz has literally played everything from an angel to Hitler in his decades-long career, and hes wonderful here as Vituss warm grandfather and best friend. As a result of great performances like these, its easy to see why VITUS was the Swiss entry to the Oscars. (2 hrs.)
Music Within (2007)
Updated a full synopsis to the film. Updated poster #1.
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honest john :: Nov.30.2007 :: General :: No Comments »
