A Late Quartet Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A string quartet implodes because the cellist’s Parkinson’s makes everyone realize they’re secretly in love with each other and also Beethoven.

🍿 A Late Quartet: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Fugue Quartet’s Foundation

The Fugue Quartet, comprised of Peter (cello), Daniel (first violin), Robert (second violin), and Juliette (viola), has enjoyed 25 years of international acclaim. Their tightly knit dynamic and dedication to Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 14, Op. 131, have defined their success. Peter’s central role as the quartet’s elder statesman and Juliette’s close ties to him due to being orphaned early, highlights the depth of their bonds.

Parkinson’s Diagnosis and Rippling Effects

Peter receives a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, forcing him to contemplate retirement. His announcement triggers a cascade of hidden resentments and personal desires within the group. Robert feels overshadowed by Daniel, leading him to seek the first violin position, while Juliette harbors doubts about his capabilities. Their daughter, Alexandra, a talented violinist herself, finds herself drawn to Daniel, creating further tension.

Egos Clash and Relationships Fracture

Robert’s dissatisfaction escalates, leading to an affair and further straining his marriage with Juliette. Alexandra’s relationship with Daniel adds another layer of complexity, threatening the stability of both the quartet and the Gelbart family. The members’ personal lives bleed into their professional commitments, disrupting rehearsals and challenging their ability to maintain the precision and harmony that define their music.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robert Gelbart (Philip Seymour Hoffman): The second violinist struggles with his role in the quartet and his marriage, leading to disruptive decisions.
• Peter Mitchell (Christopher Walken): The cellist and elder statesman of the quartet whose Parkinson’s diagnosis triggers a crisis within the group.
• Juliette Gelbart (Catherine Keener): The violist and Robert’s wife, deals with marital issues and her daughter’s choices while trying to maintain the quartet’s stability.
• Daniel Lerner (Mark Ivanir): The intense and driven first violinist whose personal choices further destabilize the quartet.
• Alexandra Gelbart (Imogen Poots): The daughter of Robert and Juliette, whose affair adds to the complex relationships and tensions within the quartet.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Peter Mitchell: “Time present and time past are both perhaps present in time future, and time future contained in time past. If all time is eternally present, all time is unredeemable.” – Peter recites this T.S. Eliot quote in the opening scene, setting the stage for themes of memory and the passage of time.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11 million
• Domestic Gross: $1.56 million
• Worldwide Gross: $6.3 million

💥 A Late Quartet Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘A Late Quartet’ to be a surprisingly moving film. I’m not a huge classical music fan, but the relationships between the characters felt very real, especially the tensions that arise when Christopher Walken’s character announces his retirement. I was really touched by how each character was affected by their own emotions and desires, and that’s how the movie managed to grab my attention.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classical music”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate ensemble casts”
  • “People who enjoy movies exploring complex relationships”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Some strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Slant Magazine: “Though the performances are dignified and deeply affecting, A Late Quartet often looks like another episode of ‘As the World Turns’, resulting in a muted soap opera rather than profound drama.
• New Yorker: “Despite the top notch cast and the elegant setting of classical music, A Late Quartet veers into conventional melodrama, lacking the spark to make it truly memorable. It’s a competently made but ultimately forgettable film.
• thatsmye.com: “Though the performances are solid, the screenplay tries to cover the fatal flaw by simply telling the viewer that the string quartet is so important because it just is. The string quartet is both the source and solution to these individual’s problems.

Audience Reactions

The ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, making even the most flawed characters relatable.: Viewers praised the complex character dynamics and the film’s ability to explore universal themes of love, loss, and ambition within the unique world of classical music.

Overall Consensus: ‘A Late Quartet’ is a well-acted drama that explores the complex relationships within a string quartet, though some critics found the plot melodramatic and lacking in subtlety.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The music in the film is performed by the renowned Brentano String Quartet.”
• “The anecdote Peter Mitchell tells about meeting Pablo Casals is based on a true story from the autobiography of cellist Gregor Piatigorsky.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Late Quartet?

A Late Quartet is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary by region, so check your local listings. Digital rentals and purchases are also often offered through these platforms.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Late Quartet, you might like these similar films:

• Quartet (2012): Both movies explore the dynamics within a group of aging musicians facing change and personal challenges.
• Amadeus (1984): Explores the themes of musical genius, rivalry, and the destructive power of envy within the classical music world.

🛒 A Late Quartet Related Products

• Beethoven: The Late String Quartets (Alban Berg Quartet): Complete collection of Beethoven’s late string quartets. This collection allows you to immerse yourself in the same music that drives the story of the movie.
• String Quartet Sheet Music: Beethoven Op. 131: The sheet music for Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 14 in C# Minor, Op. 131. For the aspiring musician inspired by the movie.
• Parkinson’s Exercise Book: For Seniors And Beginners (Parkinson’s Disease): Exercise book to help cope with parkinson’s disease.
• Violin Shoulder Rest – Universal Violin Shoulder Rest For 3/4 And 4/4 Violin: Provides comfort while playing the violin.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Late Quartet features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “String Quartet No. 14 in C# Minor, Op. 131” – performed by Ludwig van Beethoven, Performed by Brentano String Quartet
• “Marietta’s Lied from Die Tote Stadt” – performed by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Sung by Anne Sofie von Otter

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A Late Quartet – Beethoven Opus 131 String Quartet No 14

Ever wondered about the amazing music at the heart of ‘A Late Quartet’? This video features the actual Beethoven piece they’re playing! It’s pretty long, but gives real insight into the movie’s soul—I found it captivating.

A Late Quartet 2012, Casals scene

Want a sneak peek at a powerful scene from ‘A Late Quartet’? This clip features Christopher Walken sharing a touching anecdote. Honestly, Walken’s performance alone is worth watching!

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