A Late Quartet Great Cast Deeply Felt Story Exclusive Clip
'A Late Quartet' - Great Cast, Deeply-Felt Story - Exclusive Clip Movies for Grownups
Director: Yaron Zilberman
Rating: R. Running Time: 105 minutes
Stars: Christopher Walken, Catherine Keener, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Mark Ivanir Courtesy Westend Films Christopher Walken is cellist Peter Mitchell in 'A Late Quartet.' A movie about music and marriage (not just between husband and wife, but between individuals who come together for a shared purpose), A Late Quartet is one of those films that speaks specifically to a mature, seasoned audience. Though the directing is at times heavy-handed and the characters overly serious, the story is quiet and true. And the cast could not be better. [Watch our exclusive clip of a scene between Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken in the video player at the top of the page.]
The internationally renowned Manhattan-based Fugue String Quartet at the center of the movie has been performing and touring together for nearly 25 years. To celebrate the anniversary, they are rehearsing to play , which has seven continuous movements. As a series of threaten to tear the quartet members apart, they struggle to stay together. The turmoil begins when the patriarch, cellist Peter Mitchell (exquisitely portrayed by , who is elegant and dignified in this role), announces that he is suffering early symptoms of and is considering withdrawing from the group. His protégée, violist Juliette Gelbart (played by the always delightful Catherine Keener), can't imagine the quartet carrying on without him. Meanwhile, her husband, second violinist Robert Gelbart (, who is also always delightful), enters into a power struggle with first violinist Daniel Lerner (Mark Ivanir of Schindler's List).
The film's subplots underscore the interconnectedness of human relationships. Robert, devastated by his wife's lack of support in his lobby to share first violinist position — and haunted by the longtime fear that she doesn't love him nearly as much as he loves her — embarks on a brief. His and Juliette's daughter, Alexandra (British actress Imogen Poots), also a talented musician, questions her parents' priorities and, as if to wreak revenge on her father, enters into a romance with Daniel. Melodramatic, yes — but for those of us who've lived a little, understandably so. The musical interludes in the film are beautifully done. Unlike another film (with a similar title) coming out later this year, A Late Quartet doesn't shy away from re-creating realistic music-making by its actors; several musical trainers were engaged during the filmmaking. And the film's New York scenes rival any from . Perhaps because this is director/writer Yaron Zilberman's debut feature, too many moments in A Late Quartet come off as overly earnest and overly artsy — and could have benefited from a lighter Woody-ish touch. Still, this is a worthwhile exploration of commitment, creative collaboration and the complications that come with deep personal bonds — the disharmony of life unfolded alongside a harmonic score.
Movies, celebrities and lifestyle tips every day on the Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
Movie Review ' A Late Quartet'
Marriage music and maturity all play parts in a complex composition
Director: Yaron Zilberman
Rating: R. Running Time: 105 minutes
Stars: Christopher Walken, Catherine Keener, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Mark Ivanir Courtesy Westend Films Christopher Walken is cellist Peter Mitchell in 'A Late Quartet.' A movie about music and marriage (not just between husband and wife, but between individuals who come together for a shared purpose), A Late Quartet is one of those films that speaks specifically to a mature, seasoned audience. Though the directing is at times heavy-handed and the characters overly serious, the story is quiet and true. And the cast could not be better. [Watch our exclusive clip of a scene between Catherine Keener and Christopher Walken in the video player at the top of the page.]
Christopher Walken Talks to Bill Newcott
The internationally renowned Manhattan-based Fugue String Quartet at the center of the movie has been performing and touring together for nearly 25 years. To celebrate the anniversary, they are rehearsing to play , which has seven continuous movements. As a series of threaten to tear the quartet members apart, they struggle to stay together. The turmoil begins when the patriarch, cellist Peter Mitchell (exquisitely portrayed by , who is elegant and dignified in this role), announces that he is suffering early symptoms of and is considering withdrawing from the group. His protégée, violist Juliette Gelbart (played by the always delightful Catherine Keener), can't imagine the quartet carrying on without him. Meanwhile, her husband, second violinist Robert Gelbart (, who is also always delightful), enters into a power struggle with first violinist Daniel Lerner (Mark Ivanir of Schindler's List).
Music and the Movies
— Receive access to exclusive information, benefits and discounts.The film's subplots underscore the interconnectedness of human relationships. Robert, devastated by his wife's lack of support in his lobby to share first violinist position — and haunted by the longtime fear that she doesn't love him nearly as much as he loves her — embarks on a brief. His and Juliette's daughter, Alexandra (British actress Imogen Poots), also a talented musician, questions her parents' priorities and, as if to wreak revenge on her father, enters into a romance with Daniel. Melodramatic, yes — but for those of us who've lived a little, understandably so. The musical interludes in the film are beautifully done. Unlike another film (with a similar title) coming out later this year, A Late Quartet doesn't shy away from re-creating realistic music-making by its actors; several musical trainers were engaged during the filmmaking. And the film's New York scenes rival any from . Perhaps because this is director/writer Yaron Zilberman's debut feature, too many moments in A Late Quartet come off as overly earnest and overly artsy — and could have benefited from a lighter Woody-ish touch. Still, this is a worthwhile exploration of commitment, creative collaboration and the complications that come with deep personal bonds — the disharmony of life unfolded alongside a harmonic score.
Also of Interest
Movies, celebrities and lifestyle tips every day on the Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures