My friend and I went to see the film "A Late Quartet" yesterday. It was an interesting look inside the world of musicians, and the insular, hothouse life they lead. Unfortunately, it does not seem attractive or worth the effort. Not enough of the joy of performing or being highly skilled is shown. So one is left with a view of an unraveling that is painful and sad. The acting is superb, with Christoper Walken, Catherine Keener and Philip Seymour Hoffman. It's a showcase for acting, but a bit melodramatic. But it was refreshing to be thinking about such talented individuals, and what hard work it is, and how much is sacrificed to have fame and fortune.
It reminded me of the chapter in Andrew Solomon's "Far From the Tree" on Proteges. It is perhaps as much a curse as a blessing to be so gifted so early, and have the expectations and demands that accompany that gift. In so many ways, an ordinary life is richer and fuller.
No comments:
Post a Comment