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INDIE REELS: The Legend of 1900
Comments 0 | Recommend 0Bewitching biopic sails on the strength of its haunting score
Director:Giuseppe Tornatore
Writers:Alessandro Baricco (monologue Novecento) Giuseppe Tornatore (written by)
Release Date:28 October 1998 (Italy)
Starring: Tim Roth, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Mélanie Thierry
Rating: R
Runtime: 165 min
Reels: 4 .5
By Paige Lauren Deiner
paige_deiner@themonitor.com
The Legend of 1900 brings the best of classical music and cinematography together.
It's one of the few movies, I've seen that draws viewers in through music and keeps them there. Piano playing filters through the film and in a sense becomes its own character - hauntingly bringing this film to its crescendo.
The film inspired by Novecento, a monologue by Alessandro Baricco, chronicles the life of Danny Boodman T.D. Lemon 1900. The newborn baby was found on January 1, 1900 on the transatlantic cruise ship the Virginian and adopted by an engine room worker, Danny Boodman. Boodman raised 1900 as best as he could in the sweltering hot of the engine room. But then an accident took Boodman's life and other crew members started raising the little boy. Little by little 1900 gained access to the ballroom, where he became a prodigious piano player - playing everything from classical music to contemporary jazz. 1900 gained fame on the cruise circuit and people flocked to the boat just to hear him play. He could find music in anything and would feel out a crowd matching his melody to their moods.
1900's world revolved around the boat - it was the only home he'd ever known. In his life never stepped onto shore, nor had any real desire to do so. Even the lure of a romance can't convince 1900 to take the leap. Getting off the boat becomes more important when the owners choose to scuttle it. But even in the face of death, 1900 can't decide it's better to seek a new life on land or stay where he feels safe and go down with the ship.
This film is beautifully shot and although it's an older film; it's one of my favorites. It's the kind of film you watch and savor - and then after a time, have a longing to see again.
Paige Lauren Deiner covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4425. You can reach her at (956) 683-4425.
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