Seymour: An Introduction

This is an exceptional documentary centering on Seymour Bernstein, the classical pianist, composer, and teacher. Now 88-years-old, he retired from concert appearances at age 50 to devote more time to teaching and mentoring others. Bernstein had me rather mesmerized with his distinctive tones, as he spins fascinating stories and anecdotes from his life, adding some quite profound words of wisdom that he's gathered over his lifetime.

The superb actor Ethan Hawke directs the documentary, and I read that he regards Bernstein as a mentor of his. Both men during the interviews, reveal some very personal aspects of their life, including stage fright and how to get fulfillment for the remainder of their time on this earth.

Overall, I was totally engaged, from start to finish, in this remarkable movie, and there's some wonderful classical music to enjoy as well.

Some very thoughtful and well-written reviews have been posted about this film. Justifiably so!

For me the beauty of it is in it's pure portrayal of a regular guy who understood early what captivated him.....and his joy for it and exploration of it has never wavered. He remained a performing musician for as long as it made sense to him and then transitioned to being a valued teacher of other musicians.

Seymour is also a thinker and has come to some meaningful and wonderful conclusions about life and purpose. He articulates those in his ever gentle manner. I very much identified with the part where he speaks of looking within for answers and meaning more than looking to external entities or individuals to provide you with those. So, so true.

I was quite choked up towards the end but not from sadness; no, quite the opposite. From bearing witness to a life that has been, all of, fulfilling, purposeful, simple, deep, accomplished, stressful, pained from difficult relationships, enlightened and content.

Ethan Hawke, who has never really resonated with me (sorry, bro), as writer and director, has produced a fantastic film. I would say this is his calling and I walked out of the movie thinking, 'oh my gosh, I hope he does more films like this.' Go see it.

Ethan Hawke directs and appears in this American documentary whose subject is Seymour Bernstein, a renowned pianist who stopped performing in concerts at age fifty and began teaching.

Bernstein is a delightful man in his eighties whose philosophies of life interchange with those of his art. During the film, he mentors Hawke who is now reflecting on his own choices of life and art.

Some of the best dialogue occurs at the beginning and end of the film when the amiable Bernstein speaks of the conflict of trying to mix the inner soul of an artist with the outer commercial and social worlds. It is also fascinating to hear him speak of nervousness before performing. More movie time, however, is spent in his teaching techniques. While this is less interesting than the other discussions, this remains a fine film overall.

There is genuine modesty in Bernstein's personality (compare him to the many less talented people who hire publicists) and likewise that of Hawke for openly admitting his own insecurities. And there is nearly always beautiful classical piano music in the background.

I wept, equally of joy and sadness, for most of an hour and forty minutes. Sit up front and go alone. See it at a theater only. This film is so quiet and delicate...and it just sneaks up on you and goes right through into your heart, gut, soul. It may be the most extraordinary film I've ever seen on the subject of artistry, creativity and its inner workings.....and I've see a few greats:(Frida, Turner, Vivian Maier, etc.)

'Seymour' is about devotion, love, inspiration. And it's big secret is that it GIVES THIS RIGHT TO YOU as you bear witness, if you let it get inside. You cannot go back into the world now. Well, not for a while. Not until you get over to the musical instrument, the pen or type, the camera, the canvas, the clay.

Ethan Hawke....what are you doing to us? The understated, magnificent director you have become! Thank you for this.

As a musician of 50 years standing and an international teaching and performing career, I can honestly say, this movie was a "stunner". Professor Bernstein embodies all of those qualities of a teacher, a performer and a wise professor of life and culture that we all emulate and have tried in our careers to articulate. He is more than a "guru" but an icon of performance practice and pedagogy that will stand the test of time in this important and beautiful film.

Ethan Hawke should be commended and lauded for bringing this important man and his wisdom to light in this profound way.

In my opinion, this film should be "required viewing" for every pedagogue, music lover, and aspiring performer. It should (at least) be in the library of every university, music school and college in the country.

Fantastic film and the best music film I have ever seen.