Beethoven (Oldman) dies leaving a love letter to a mysterious 'Immortal Beloved'. His friend and secretary (Krabbe) sets out to determine who this letter is for.
Rather moving tale headed by a strong performance by Oldman who possibly better than anyone can do the dramatic shifts of emotion which are needed here. For a character of great talent but pretty much void of any charm or empathy, we do surprisingly stick with him until the dramatic reveal.
The rest of the cast are fine, particularly Rossellini and the music, delivered by Georg Solti no less, makes you appreciate it even more. I did feel the drama lost it's way a little in the scenes where Beethoven devotes his life to managing his nephew, Karl's talent, but otherwise a rewarding and ultimately quite moving tale of lost love.
Rather moving tale headed by a strong performance by Oldman who possibly better than anyone can do the dramatic shifts of emotion which are needed here. For a character of great talent but pretty much void of any charm or empathy, we do surprisingly stick with him until the dramatic reveal.
The rest of the cast are fine, particularly Rossellini and the music, delivered by Georg Solti no less, makes you appreciate it even more. I did feel the drama lost it's way a little in the scenes where Beethoven devotes his life to managing his nephew, Karl's talent, but otherwise a rewarding and ultimately quite moving tale of lost love.