What is Immortal Beloved about?
This biography chronicles the life of infamous classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven (Gary Oldman) and his painful struggle with hearing loss. Following Beethoven’s death in 1827, his assistant, Schindler (Jeroen Krabbé), searches for an elusive woman referred to in the composer’s love letters as “immortal beloved.” As Schindler solves the mystery, a series of flashbacks reveals Beethoven’s transformation from passionate young man to troubled musical genius.
Immortal Beloved/Film synopsis
How is Beethoven portrayed in Immortal Beloved?
Beethoven is played in the film by Gary Oldman, who at first seems an unlikely choice: Too small, too driven, too insinuating. Then we see that he is right. He is a man on the edge of madness, obsessed with women, even more obsessed with Karl (Marco Hofschneider), the young nephew he hopes to turn into a prodigy.
Is Immortal Beloved historically accurate?
The identity of Beethoven’s “Immortal Beloved” (more accurately translated as “Eternally Beloved”) has confounded historians for two centuries and even inspired a movie. But the truth may never be known for certain.
Why did Beethoven want to look after his nephew Karl?
Beethoven, his uncle, saw Karl as the Beethoven to carry the illustrious musical name forward. Even before Carl’s death, Beethoven saw himself as guardian of his nephew, determined to rescue him from the clutches of his (as he saw it) immoral mother.
How does Beethoven’s copy end?
The movie ends though, with Anna finally embracing herself as an artist, unique from all other composers, including Beethoven, and readying herself for a promising future.
Who is Beethoven’s wife?
Johann married Maria Magdalena Keverich in 1767; she was the daughter of Heinrich Keverich (1701–1751), who had been the head chef at the court of the Archbishopric of Trier. Beethoven was born of this marriage in Bonn, at what is now the Beethoven House Museum, Bonnstrasse 20.
Is the movie Beethoven based on a true story?
But according to press notes for Agnieszka Holland’s “Copying Beethoven,” the soulful amanuensis and self-appointed emotional advisor to the great composer is a “fictional character based on actual persons.” So she’s as free to be as anachronistic as she wants to be.
Who inherited Ludwig van Beethoven?
Karl
In January 1827, Beethoven declared his nephew Karl the sole heir of his belongings and seven bank shares.
Was Copying Beethoven a true story?
Was Anna Holtz a real person?
The character of Anna Holtz is likely based at least partially on Karl Holtz, a young violinist and copyist who befriended Beethoven during the final few years of the composer’s life and is said to have influenced decisions on pieces such as the Große Fuge.