Shine (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
'Shine' (directed by Scott Hicks) is a fantastic Australian film which chronicles the traumatic early years & creative odyssey in adulthood of troubled, real-life classical pianist, David Helfgott. Telling the story via flashbacks, we see David (Alex Rafalowicz) as a child prodigy in the 1950s, while his austere & dictatorial father, Peter (Armin Mueller-Stahl) - who doesn't like his son playing music - mistreats him & his siblings. Why? Perhaps due to the ever-present, debilitating memory of his horrific childhood in Poland; he lost his family in the concentration camps. Years later, David (now portrayed by Noah Taylor, fantastic) is finally able to break away from his father - with a nudge from elderly writer, Katharine Susannah Pritchard (Googie Withers).
David then leaves to study music abroad at the Royal College of Music under the guidance of Prof. Cecil Parkes (Sir John Gielgud). But just as a great international career was on the horizon, unable to bear the pressures to prove himself to his domineering, yet lovingly protective father ... David (now played by Geoffrey Rush, awards-worthy) suffers a mental breakdown as a result of pushing himself too hard & returns to Australia for life in an institution. 15 yrs. later, David is released and, through twists of fate {one at a restaurant}, would meet one, Gillian (wonderfully portrayed by Lynn Redgrave), an astrologist whose unconditional love would allow him to resume playing his cherished piano ... and triumphantly return to the concert hall.
'Shine' is an entertaining & intuitive look at the world of a music prodigy. On the surface, this is a film to enjoy for its music, alone. It is a film that can be admired for its craftsmanship & for its wonderful performances. And on a deeper level, it is also a film which explores both the beauty of 'art', and the dark side of being consumed with one's gift, and how passion can nearly destroy an artist. This powerful film touches on various themes ranging from the destructive power of love, to the very nature of genius, building strength from weakness, & the fight to triumph over adversity. The inspirational component of 'Shine' is that David never fully gives up & is able to fight his way back. This appealing heart-warmer of a film is one of the best of 1996.
This movie would not be as affecting without the immense performances of Noah Taylor & Geoffrey Rush, both of whom were nominated for or won multiple awards for their portrayal of David Helfgott; Rush would go on to win Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Both actors worked closely together to perfect David's mannerisms, though, each brought their own interpretation to the role. Noah Taylor's version is youthful, energetic, & quite high-strung. Geoffrey Rush gives us a David who, while still a jittery, babbling figure, gradually learns to face the world rather than hide away from it.
Armin Mueller-Stahl's Peter may seem like just another as just another prickly, semi-abusive father-type. But his Peter can also be gentle, comforting, & there is no denying his genuine feelings for his troubled son; he just doesn't know how to modulate his complex emotions; a result of his own damaged childhood. He is a soul-sick person whose on-going battle with those personal demons makes him erratic, unpredictable, but also heart-breaking. On the other end of the love spectrum is Lynn Redgrave's astrologist wife; who offers understanding, strength, & PATIENCE in helping David rebuild his life. With astute writing/directing, slick editing, handsome production values & the great acting from all, 'Shine' is a resounding success.
David then leaves to study music abroad at the Royal College of Music under the guidance of Prof. Cecil Parkes (Sir John Gielgud). But just as a great international career was on the horizon, unable to bear the pressures to prove himself to his domineering, yet lovingly protective father ... David (now played by Geoffrey Rush, awards-worthy) suffers a mental breakdown as a result of pushing himself too hard & returns to Australia for life in an institution. 15 yrs. later, David is released and, through twists of fate {one at a restaurant}, would meet one, Gillian (wonderfully portrayed by Lynn Redgrave), an astrologist whose unconditional love would allow him to resume playing his cherished piano ... and triumphantly return to the concert hall.
'Shine' is an entertaining & intuitive look at the world of a music prodigy. On the surface, this is a film to enjoy for its music, alone. It is a film that can be admired for its craftsmanship & for its wonderful performances. And on a deeper level, it is also a film which explores both the beauty of 'art', and the dark side of being consumed with one's gift, and how passion can nearly destroy an artist. This powerful film touches on various themes ranging from the destructive power of love, to the very nature of genius, building strength from weakness, & the fight to triumph over adversity. The inspirational component of 'Shine' is that David never fully gives up & is able to fight his way back. This appealing heart-warmer of a film is one of the best of 1996.
This movie would not be as affecting without the immense performances of Noah Taylor & Geoffrey Rush, both of whom were nominated for or won multiple awards for their portrayal of David Helfgott; Rush would go on to win Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Both actors worked closely together to perfect David's mannerisms, though, each brought their own interpretation to the role. Noah Taylor's version is youthful, energetic, & quite high-strung. Geoffrey Rush gives us a David who, while still a jittery, babbling figure, gradually learns to face the world rather than hide away from it.
Armin Mueller-Stahl's Peter may seem like just another as just another prickly, semi-abusive father-type. But his Peter can also be gentle, comforting, & there is no denying his genuine feelings for his troubled son; he just doesn't know how to modulate his complex emotions; a result of his own damaged childhood. He is a soul-sick person whose on-going battle with those personal demons makes him erratic, unpredictable, but also heart-breaking. On the other end of the love spectrum is Lynn Redgrave's astrologist wife; who offers understanding, strength, & PATIENCE in helping David rebuild his life. With astute writing/directing, slick editing, handsome production values & the great acting from all, 'Shine' is a resounding success.