Impromptu

Well, I saw this movie yesterday and thought it was good; since it told us about Mr. Chopin's life. I really liked the way this movie told us his life because we realize he was a very timid person, which perhaps was the truth. I certainly like the way Hugh Grant stars as Chopin. I never thought he could act so well, he envelops himself into the role quite well. I think this is definitely his best performance; this is the only Hugh Grant's movie I've liked so far. It was completely delightful to listen to the way he played the piano. It's also remarkable, as Madame George Sand fell in love with him because of the way he played it. This movie has a good plot, and you'll find out many interesting things about Chopin's life over the course of the movie. I truly found out a lot of things about his life after watching this. As for Judy Davis; I think she carries out her role admirably, she really knows how to act. The costumes and the scenery were completely fitted to the movie.

Overall, I think this is an enjoyable movie that tells us about Chopin's fears, happiness, sufferings, etc. it's great as he shows George Sand he could love her without dreading it. It also shows us that injustice will always be plotted out. It's worth watching even if the ending was somewhat disappointing. 7/10

This excellently written, splendidly acted, marvellously sound-tracked and beautifully filmed picture is most probably the best film ever made on Chopin and Sand, that subject most difficult to approach without crashing into drab sentimentality. The film is a comedy solidly anchored in historical and biographical data and impregnated with a deep love for Chopin's music as well as an understanding of the complex relationship between him and Sand. Through its apparently light touch, the film manages to convey deep sorrow, longing, extatic joy and true sensuality (the scene where the relationship between Chopin and Sand becomes physical is a master example of how such scenes should be made: Sand's naked shoulder speaks more than hours and hours of steamy make-believe, because it is the spectator who fills in the experience in his mind). Anybody who has made music will recognise the excitement and satisfaction in the scene where Chopin and Liszt play à quatre mains and manage to find JUST the right note at JUST the right second. Witty, almost farcical comedy alternates with most delicate, expressive, sober dialogue - witness Judy Davis' face when Sand tells Chopin what the reality behind her free love propaganda is. Hugh Grant shows himself once again to be the good actor that he is when working with a good director - compare this film with "Maurice", "The Remains of the Day", "An Awfully Big Adventure". It is as if this film were an enchanted one, not a single element being amiss. And last but not least, it makes you fall in love with Chopin's music, in case for some reason it hadn't happened to you before.

Lines like that are what really made me fall in love with "Impromptu". It is a movie that incorporates an array of delightful characters (and actors) that just suck you into the story. Though "Impromptu" is a period piece, it still has this certain modern air that other movies in this genre just don't have. The dialogue is superb in this, the character of George Sand (portrayed by an amazing Judy Davis) is one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Of course, this movie isn't going to be for everyone, but if you're interested in watching a different type of romance/comedy/drama, I truly recommend this. It is unique, it is real, it is wonderful.

I came to this movie looking for a glimpse into the lives of the four artists: Chopin, Sand, Delacroix and my favourite Liszt and got much more than I bargained for.

The setting is Paris of the 1830s, where the kids play "Cowboys & Indians" as "Revolutionaries & Noblemen", where hysterical aristocrats are back to hosting soirees and honourable men are fighting the last of the duels. Obviously no possibility of spoilers, with the narrative based on actual events, so most of the entertainment arrives in the form of fabulous performances, a terrific cast and of course gorgeous piano notes.

But the biggest surprise is the humour. Ranging from subtle to farcical, it serves to gulp down the dose of human emotions and failings nicely. Watch it if you like literature or art or classical music or history, but watch it if you like subtle entertainment on a Sunday afternoon.

This film is a little different than most "period" films in that its characters, although known historical figures, are real people and certainly not above swearing, throwing fits, drinking, smoking or carousing. A wonderful comedy romance with an outstanding performance by Judy Davis as George Sands.

It is also interesting to note how closely the plot of this movie resembles that of Renoir's classic "Rules of the Game": 1) group of romantically and socially inbred cityfolk go to the country, 2) romantic and social inbreeding continue in the country, 3) people slipping from room to room, 4) mistaken identity, 5) hunting in the woods, 6) big hunting scene, 7) gender-bending, 8) poking fun at the upper classes, and 9) climactic theater performance chock full of satire and causing some conflict. This similarity can be no accident.