Copying Beethoven

Copying Beethoven ***

"Copying Beethoven" is the fictional story of the last days in the life of good ol' Ludwig van Beethoven, bringing Alex from "A Clockwork Orange" to tears. It's important to remember, when you first walk in, that nothing in this film really did happen, with the exception of what Beethoven composes. It is an imaginary journey into the final days of his life, which could be strange to some, but this is for certain something to see anyway. Laden with historical inaccuracies, but filled with heart and warmth, "Copying Beethoven" is flawed, but fascinating.

Opening with the death of Beethoven, we learn that a young blond woman is the last to see his alive. We flash back to a few years before where we get to learn a little more about her. This is Anna Holtz, and aspiring composer who moves into a convent in order to per sue her new job. She has been given the assignment to be the copyist for none other than the deaf composer, Ludwig van. Beethoven greets Anna with warmth and kindness, until he learns exactly why she is there. And then he is upset that the publishers have hired a WOMEN to do his work with him. How dare they! While he is out, and she is copying his music, she ends up taking the liberty of changing one thing that she felt that he would change anyway. He is confused by this, but realizes that that is exactly what he planned on doing. He allows Anna to continue her work with him, and they must hurry because he is supposed to deliver his Ninth Symphony in four days time. Anna meets Beethoven's nephew, whom he adores and worships, only to learn that he is skimming money out of his drawer to pay off gambling debts. And in turn he makes a mockery out of her architect boyfriend, who does not relish the notion of her spending so much time in Beethoven's abode. But the two become very close as Beethoven realizes that she has the power to one day match his talents, or even become better.

Ed Harris plays Beethoven to perfection, and is pitch perfect in the role. And it is a somewhat challenging part. He drifts from one of the kindest people in the world to a cold and crass old man. At one point he is complimenting Anna, and the next he is pulling his pants down to moon her, while he is joking around about "Moonlight Sonata." Diane Kruger, the criminally underused actress from "Troy" and "Wicker Park," does not equal Harris, but is a worthy co-star. I'll admit, the script is padded a bit, especially with those two subplots mentioned above, but this is worth seeing for Harris and Kruger working together alone. There scenes together are engrossing and long, and really are the highlight of this film. The visuals are nothing special, and as a period piece it isn't something that will be remembered for years to come. And bonus points if you're an actual fan of Beethoven. The films best scene is about fifteen minutes long, and literally highlights parts of Beethoven's Ninth Sympathy, as Anna conducts the Sympathy for Ludwig. It is a beautifully directed scene, with a soundtrack better than anything you'll hear elsewhere. "Copying Beethoven" certainly isn't a masterpiece, and doesn't come close to being memorable, but it is enjoyable and entertaining. Inaccurate to a "T" based on history, but nonetheless a tour de force by Harris, and a great excuse to listen to some Beethoven.