Jeri Jacquin
Coming to Digital from writer/director Petr Vaclav and Music Box Films is the story of a musician, love and being THE BOHEMIAN.
Josef Myslivecek (Vojtech Dyk) lives in Prague in the 18th century becoming a master miller in the family business. Unhappy with that, he turns to music studying with the likes of Habermann and Seger. Traveling to Venice, Italy with dreams of becoming a great musician while studying with Giovanni Pescetti. Seeking out those who would mentor his work, he finds a musical home in the world of opera.
Slowly his work becomes recognized and women have made their place in his life as well. From opera singer Caterina Gabrielli (Barbara Ronchi), to the Marchesa (Elena Radonicich), it seemed between writing about his emotions and it showing up in his work, the elite admire his music. Myslivecek even befriends the very young Mozart (Philip Hahn) with advice on how to see the world through the eyes of music.
From Il Bellerofonte to Armida, Myslivecek’s life begins to unravel when the married woman he loves takes him further down a path of destruction. When his physical appearance is marred by his lifestyle, those from his earlier years begin to reappear in his life but not in time to change what time has done.
Dyk as Myslivecek portrays the eager young musician who sees no future in mill work. Spending his time composing and understanding music makes him hungry to have his music heard. Dyk portrays all of that in his performance but also a hint of longing for something he does not yet understand. Finding himself in caught up in the times of indulgences, the games have more rules when he wants a simpler life. Dyk is lovely, charming and dedicated in the role so well done.
Other cast include Alberto Cracco as Conte Fioncchietti, Federica Vecchio as Cornelia, Diego Pagotto as Orfeo Crispi, Salvatore Langella as Conte di San Paolo.
Music Box Films is the prestigious North American distributor of acclaimed international, independent, and documentary feature films. Recent releases include Eric Gravel’s Cesar nominated thrilling social drama FULL TIME and Rebecca Zlotowski’s OTHER PEOPLE’S CHILDREN. Music Box Films also owns and operates Music Box Theatre, Chicago’s premier venue for independent and foreign films. For more of what they have to offer please go to www.musicboxfilms.com
THE BOHEMIAN is the winner of six Czech Lion Awards, including Best Czech Film and Best Director, and selected as the Czech submission for Best International Film at the 95th Academy Awards. The film’s music features such international soloists as Philippe Jaroussky, Simona Saturova, Emoke Barath and Raffaella Milanesi.
This film is so rich in music and beautiful voices from start to finish. Surrounded by the period piece set designs and costuming, it is so easy to quickly fall into the story and time period. The deep rich reds and blues from the clothing to the wall paintings to the color of the wine in stunning crystal glasses, it evokes everything of the period and the excesses covering up the realities.
The music is absolutely wonderful with the most moving scenes provided by the emotions of the actors feel amazingly genuine. I will admit to falling under its spell as well and that is what grand film making with beautiful music can do. Myslivecek is not a musician that most have heard of when along side Beethoven, Mozart and the like but he should be. His works are just as valuable and worthy of a listen and experienced.
THE BOHEMIAN is a film that I would put in my library alongside IMMORTAL BELOVED, AMADEUS, MAESTRO, THE PIANIST, IMPROMPTU, THE DEVIL’S VIOLINIST and, my heart favorite, THE RED VIOLIN. If you are in search of musical richness and beauty along with the tragedy of being frail humans, then THE BOHEMIAN is a must-see.
In the end – his world is music!
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