Duo pour une soliste

...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.

Have loved Julie Andrews from an early age, having grown up on 'Mary Poppins' and 'The Sound of Music'. Both of which are still favourites. Max Von Sydow has always struck me as an amazing actor, his acting intense but also understated when needed which is some of my favourite type of acting. Am a lover of classical music and having seen what multiple schlerosis does to people the story on paper struck a chord with me (pardon the pun).

While 'Duet for One' is not my definition of a masterpiece or a film exempt from flaws, to me it is a very good film deserving of more credit, rather than being deserving of its near-obscure status. Also consider it a quite brave and powerful film and it is easily one of Andrews' best forays into more dramatic repertoire. If it is not everybody's cup of tea though, that is fine by me. It is not an easy watch by any stretch and anybody who watches a film expecting likeable characters all the time are best looking elsewhere.

Part of me really does wish that Feldman's character was a more interesting character than a callous caricature. Von Sydow does do a great job with what he was given, which is indicative of a true professional and a justly esteemed actor.

Although the music on the most part is great, some of it is a little on the saccharine side. MS is portrayed hard-hittingly and movingly, but it is also not the most balanced or most sympathetic portrayal at the same time.

On the other hand, 'Duet for One' has many fine things. It is not filmed in an overblown way, nor does it look static or too filmed play-like, with it being a film adaptation of a play. While not all the music completely worked, the music itself is great and will be a treat for classical music lovers. Andrei Konchalovsky's direction is sympathetic while not being stagy, some of his best work in one of his better films but sadly it is direction and a film that isn't appreciated enough. The script is thoughtful and doesn't get too sentimental or patronising.

'Duet for One's' story is in no way easy to get one's head round emotionally, it's quite harrowing but it is also very powerful and poignant. Just prepare for a non-easy watch. The back of the car confrontation is as hard-hitting a confrontation as one can get on film. The characters are purposefully not likeable ones and some are more interesting than others, while Stephanie is a very meaty characters others like Feldman are caricatures, but they don't ever bore or annoy as such. Von Sydow does fine with what he has and Alan Bates manages to achieve the difficult feat of making surly affecting. The film though belongs to Andrews, in the best easily of her dramatic performances in a gripping and incredibly moving, without being melodramatic, turn.

Summing up, not flawless but very good on the whole and hits one hard emotionally. 7.5/10

Very little seen film that has a great performance by Andrews. Not a happy film--but very real. Surely worth seeing!

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")

Beautiful performances,, beautiful story, splendid Julie Andrews and one of films who could be more than useful. because it is a simple story about life. about art, fall,, fear, love, insecurity and fictional options. because it is a pledge for discover yourself in the other. because the story is familiar. but different from this perspective. and this does it beautiful. and useful. and so bitter.