Copying Beethoven (PG-13) :

      Copying Beethoven is the kind of movie which is made purely for acting awards. It is the brilliant performance of Ed Harris as Ludwig Van Beethoven, which will keep the audiences interested.

The movie is set in the days leading up to and following the first public performance of the Ninth Symphony. It revolves around Beethoven's effort to break in his new assistant Anna Holtz (played by Diane Kruger). The latter is a student at the Vienna Music Conservatory. While she witnesses him compose his famous Ninth Symphony, Anna works on her own composition, hoping Beethoven will share some of his knowledge with her. However, Beethoven openly criticizes Anna’s efforts. He even mocks the girl by playing her piece whilst blowing raspberries. He may be mean to her, but at least it is the truth.

Copying Beethoven essentially focuses in on the composer's final years when, because of eccentricity, deafness and total devotion to music, he became a recluse. Anna’s character provides some much needed relief from Beethoven’s depressing environment. Unfortunately, it seems that she does not have much to do in the movie. Her only role is to take Beethoven’s abuses without flinching. What makes this film float, sometimes just barely, is the characterization of Beethoven by Harris.

The movie creates a believable 19th century Vienna. The costumes and language are appropriate for the times. The sets are also quite lavish. Unfortunately, where the movie does fall short is in the script. Except for a few bright spots, it fails to hit a satisfying note.