A Late Quartet is a film about the trials and tribulations of a 25 year old string quartet when the cellist, Peter, played by Christopher Walken, finds out he has Parkinson's disease. They must decide if and how to continue the quartet, named "The Fugue", in addition to negotiating their roles in the quartet and in each other's lives. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener play the 2nd violinist and violist respectively, a married couple whose relationship is on the rocks. Mark Ivanir takes the role of the first violinist whose perfectionism begins to take a toll on the group dynamic.
I was really pleased with this film. It was very dramatic but I couldn't help but get caught up in the plight of this amazing group. Christopher Walken's impending physical deterioration was absolutely heart-breaking. The thought of not being able to do what one loves most in the world really hit home for me. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener's struggles with their marital relationship v. their musical one was also particularly effective. This film gave insight into a lifestyle that I have only been exposed to slightly. The time, energy and passion involved in pursuing music at that level was conveyed brilliantly. I really recommend this film to anyone.
I was really pleased with this film. It was very dramatic but I couldn't help but get caught up in the plight of this amazing group. Christopher Walken's impending physical deterioration was absolutely heart-breaking. The thought of not being able to do what one loves most in the world really hit home for me. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener's struggles with their marital relationship v. their musical one was also particularly effective. This film gave insight into a lifestyle that I have only been exposed to slightly. The time, energy and passion involved in pursuing music at that level was conveyed brilliantly. I really recommend this film to anyone.