Storyline
A fictionalised exploration of Beethoven's life in his final days working on his Ninth Symphony. It is 1824. Beethoven is racing to finish his new symphony. However, it has been years since his last success and he is plagued by deafness, loneliness and personal trauma. A copyist is urgently needed to help the composer. A fictional character is introduced in the form of a young conservatory student and aspiring composer named Anna Holtz. The mercurial Beethoven is skeptical that a woman might become involved in his masterpiece but slowly comes to trust in Anna's assistance and in the end becomes quite fond of her. By the time the piece is performed, her presence in his life is an absolute necessity. Her deep understanding of his work is such that she even corrects mistakes he has made, while her passionate personality opens a door into his private world.
Cast & Crew
Ed Harris
Ludwig van Beethoven
Lead
Diane Kruger
Anna Holtz
Matthew Goode
Martin Bauer
Phyllida Law
Mother Canisius
Ralph Riach
Wenzel Schlemmer
BS
Bill Stewart
Rudy
Angus Barnett
Krenski
VD
Viktoria Dihen
Magda
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Agnieszka Holland's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
3.0
“Every frame feels alive. Copying Beethoven is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
