This biopic of Glenn Gould, iconic pianist, known not only for his music, but his idiosyncracies, is not only amazing because of the archival footage that so fully documents his life, but is a true pleasure to watch and listen to because his music fills almost every moment of the documentary. '32 Short Films about Glenn Gould' (1993) imaginatively and creatively re-enacts episodes of Gould's life and philosophy through narrative shorts and is well worth watching for all Gould fans and those who would become fans. But "Genius Within...' shows us the actual Glenn Gould, phobias, hypochondria, divo behavior, various psychological warts and all. This film has to be the end-all of documentaries of Glenn Gould. I can't imagine there is more to be uncovered about him. Now I know Glenn Gould -- well perhaps not the 'genius within or the inner life,' but all a film can relate about another human being. I also know his music through recitals from his first appearance in New York in 1955 to his very last recording.
Having once heard his name and music on the radio, I, a mere neophyte who likes classical radio in the background as I work on my computer, was awed and moved by his unique sound -- it made me stop working to fully listen. Having then seen '32 Short Films ...,' I was intrigued and fascinated. Now, having seen 'Genius Within...,' it is Gould on disc I listen to as I write this. Now, I compare his 1955 Goldberg Variations to his 1981 version of the same work. In the film, we learn how he melded his unique technique with his innate talent. Childhood, concerts, love life, picaddilos, eccentricities, character, are all explored, and never boring. Gould left a legacy of his recordings, which he much preferred to make over concert tours. Unfortunate for those who would have flocked to his concerts, fortunate for us who can still enjoy his talents long after his death and for posterity. You may not think you like this type of music, but if you like any music at all, Gould deserves a hearing and you deserve to be exposed to him.
Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould
Director: Peter Raymont and Michele Hozer
Time: 106 min.
Opens Novemer 19 at the Opera Plaza, San Francisco, and Shattuck in Berkeley
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