Beethoven`s nephew
Language: English, 103 min, 1985. German - French
Wolfgang Reichmann, Dietmar Prinz, Jane Birkin, Nathalie Baye, Mathieu Carrière, Ulrich Berr, Erna Korhel, Pieter Daniel
Directed by: PAUL MORRISSEY
Andy Warhol graduate Paul Morrissey surprised his followers with his sensitive direction of the 1985 costume drama Beethoven's Nephew (Le Neveu de Beethoven) The eponymous character, Karl Beethoven (Dietmar Prinz), is snatched from his mother's home by egomaniacal composer Ludwig Van Beethoven (Wolfgang Reichmann). It is Beethovens contention that nephew Karl is in the clutches of a demon (his mother!), and that only by taking charge of Karl himself can the composer tap the boys inherent musical genius. Ultimately Karl rebels against Beethovens obsessiveness by developing a relationship with a beautiful actress (Nathalie Baye). As Karl's independence grows, Beethovens health declines, possibly because of the psychological ramifications of watching his surrogate son grow away from him. Adapted by Morrissey and Mathieu Carriere from a novel by Luigi Magnani, Beethoven`s Nephew was released in the US nearly two years after its French premiere. (Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)
