Duet for One

...and also make a nonsense of your title. The film is based on a stage play, which is so called because, although a two-hander, it is much closer to being a one-woman show. The stage version was produced for BBC Television with Frances De La Tour, the original star, and is much more worth watching than this sentimentalised claptrap. For one thing, when in a magnificent outburst she attempts to shock the psychiatrist by admitting that she has been "f***ing a totter", part of the power of this is by your wondering what is going on in the head of this refined and cultural woman, for her to be taking a dirty Steptoe-like rag and bone man into her bed. The point is completely lost if you *show* the totter, and what is more cast Liam Neeson in the part!

Kempinski remained on the credits as the screenwriter, so it seems he only has himself to blame for this utter emasculation of what was really an excellent play, loosely based on the shattering loss of Jacqueline Du Pré's art, career and normal life to multiple sclerosis.

Julie Andrews did a remarkable job playing the character of Stephanie Anderson in this movie. She did a great job of expressing the trial and tribulations that stephanie anderson goes through as she copes with MS. Great Job Julie! You deserved an Oscar for your performance!

In London, the famous violinist Stephanie Anderson (Julie Andrews) is unexpectedly struck with multiple sclerosis while playing with her student Constantine Kassanis (Rupert Everett) in a concert. She becomes bitter and depressed with the abrupt end of her career and seeks help with the psychiatrist Dr. Louis Feldman (Max von Sydow). Meanwhile, her husband David Cornwallis (Alan Bates) is distant from her and confesses that he has a love affair with his secretary Penny Smallwood (Cathryn Harrison). Further, he travels in a tour to America with Penny. Then her favorite pupil finds a job in Las Vegas and decides to travel to America. Stephanie begins a journey to self-destruction and gets rid of her trophies, long-play records and her expensive violin and has a love affair with the junk collector Totter (Liam Neeson). When she reaches the rock bottom, she tries to commit suicide. Will Stephanie overcome her depression?

"Duet for One" is a depressive story of self-destruction of a famous violin player. The performances are top-notch, highlighting Julie Andrews in the lead role. It is difficult to understand her relationship with her ex-husband David and Pennie in the end. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Sede de Amar" ("Thirsty of Love")

I was surprised this disappeared the way it did and that Julie Andrews did not receive an Academy Award nomination. It's a tough uncompromising depiction of what it's like for someone who is losing control physically and starts to lose it emotionally as well. The scene in the back of the car where Andrews and Alan Bates argue and he goes that one step too far is unlike any personal altercation I can recall seeing on film. I found the film totally engrossing and very moving.

Just an incredible dramatic performance by coloratura soprano dame Julie Andrews. I dont think this film was given the credit it has so long deserved, perhaps because of how depressing it can be. However, if for just two hours, we can remove ourselves from what we want Julie Andrews to be, and let her act and give us the story, would we be wowed. I highly recommend people to watch this incredible film.