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Remembering 'Ludvig Von Beethoven' through Gary Oldman's 'Immortal Beloved'

If there is one movie that I miss the most from my collection, it's got to be 'Immortal Beloved'. I remember deleting it but not really the reason for doing so. I feel almost gutted whenever I find a mention of Gary Oldman and his unforgettable portrayal of legendary German Music Composer, Ludwig Von Beethoven in the Bernard Rose's film, 'Immortal Beloved'. I am feeling quite low especially today for today is not an ordinary day, it is the day commemorating Beethoven's 245th Birthday. And if you have logged on Google today, you will have already known that.

Beethoven need not an introduction to all the music lovers across the world but those who are unaware of him, let me tell you that he was the LION of European (or Western) music jungle in early 19th century. He composed divine music that resonated through both classical and romantic era of western music scene and his compositions remain as influential today as they were in his prime. Beethoven started losing his hearing power at the age of 26 and his accomplishments become all the more eye-catching considering the fact that he never got to listen his most famous compositions. His 5th and 9th symphony have become immortal and so have his great mass, Missa Solemnis, 32 piano sonatas and an opera, Fidelio. Youtube them, listen to them, experience them and you will know.

So what about Gary Oldman and what did he get in common with Beethoven? Gary Oldman, very early in his illustrious career, got to play Beethoven's character in Bernard Rose's film, 'Immortal Beloved' and what Gary does best, he did with Beethoven, he LIVED him in the film. He took piano lessons for the film and used to play piano for five hours a day during the film's shooting so that he could at least sound like a 'pianist', if not Beethoven which was out of the equation anyway. However, as Beethoven grew sinister in his manners and he was always eccentric like all the creative genius, a very talented actor was needed to portray that challenging and last-phase of Beethoven's life and that's where Oldman played down the part with unbelievable charisma and trustworthy aplomb. I had seen Gary Oldman trumping a young Sean Penn and Ed Harris (he was quite young too then) in 'State of Grace' in 1990 and opposite Keanu Reeves, playing Count Dracula in Francis Ford Coppola's 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' but like all the great critics opined, this was Gary Oldman's best role till 1995. Now all these years later, Mr. Oldman has become the most competent contender for 'world's greatest living actor' and if you haven't still seen him or heard of Beethoven, I believe you guys have a lot of catching to do....I hope, you all will.......#SigningOff......#LudvigVonBeethoven......#GaryOldman......#5thSymphony.......#ImmortalBeloved

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