Immortal Beloved (1995)

AMADEUS it ain't.  Gary Oldman is certainly right for the role of Ludwig
van Beethoven.  He can brawl like the best rock star and brood like the
most serious composer.  He even plays his own piano, which, in this
film, is no small feat.  Too bad the CITIZEN KANE-like structure of
writer/director Bernard Roses's biography-as-a-mystery never uncovers
anything interesting.  Great soundtrack, though, if you don't mind the
conspicuous absence of period instruments.

Ode to joy indeed.

Grade: C+

Copyright 1995 Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros