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Copying Beethoven

2006 · 104 min

Drama

A fictionalised exploration of Beethoven's life in his final days working on his Ninth Symphony. It is 1824. Beethoven is racing to finish his new symphony. However, it has been years since his last success and he is plagued by deafness, loneliness and personal trauma. A copyist is urgently needed to help the composer. A fictional character is introduced in the form of a young conservatory student and aspiring composer named Anna Holtz. The mercurial Beethoven is skeptical that a woman might become involved in his masterpiece but slowly comes to trust in Anna's assistance and in the end becomes quite fond of her. By the time the piece is performed, her presence in his life is an absolute necessity. Her deep understanding of his work is such that she even corrects mistakes he has made, while her passionate personality opens a door into his private world.

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Appeals to viewers who enjoy emotionally heightened historical dramas about difficult artists, creative collaboration, and the transformative power of music.

Tone
melancholic, cerebral, uplifting
Payoff
catharsis, inspiration
Pacing
steady
Intensity
moderate
Structure
linear
Themes
artistic creation, deafness, mentorship, loneliness, artistic legacy
Setting
early nineteenth century, urban European lodgings and concert halls

Content dimensions

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Where to watch

Not currently available to stream, rent, or buy in the US.