Genre: Drama
Runtime: 105 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Christopher Walken, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Mark Ivanir, Imogen Poots, Wallace Shawn
Description: Members of a world-renowned string quartet struggle to stay together in the face of death, competing egos and insuppressible lust.
Review: “A Late Quartet” centers around the Fugue string quartet, that travels the world successfully for already 25 years. Daniel Lerner plays the first violin, Robert Gelbart plays the second violin, Roberts wife Juliette plays the viola and Peter Mitchell the cello. Peter took a step back after his wife passing. At the start of their rehearsal Peter feels how much effort he has to put in. After visiting the doctor, its determined that he is in the early stage of Parkinson decease. Peter’s illness changes a lot in the group.
A special dynamic is unleashed. Hidden emotions, suppressed ambitions and secrets. Robert has always adapted to the quartet, but wants to play the first violin now. Juliette doesn’t back him up and a break between her and Robert is in sight. Peter is already looking for a replacement and Daniel also shows some weaknesses. Egos collide.
“A Late Quartet” has been shot in New York and the camera has made some magical and atmospheric shots that show New York at its best.
The cast is fantastic. Philip Seymour and Catherine Keener show us amazing skills and convince as the struggling couple. Mark Ivanir is solid, but it’s Christopher Walken that is brilliant. He really touched me, just with a single look. And that last scene with him and the rest of the quartet really gave me the chills.
It takes you some time to get into “A Late Quartet”, but the dialogues are strong and the characters are deep and interesting. Sober, introvert and convincing. A movie that probably will be overlooked, which is a shame. It’s a great movie.
Rating: 4/ 5
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