The Red Violin . Tucson Weekly . 07-05-99

The Red Violin

DIRECTED BY: Francois Girard

REVIEWED: 07-05-99

Perhaps in response to the vast amounts of dead wood in many Hollywood films, director Francois Girard casts a violin as the star of this Canadian production that follows an instrument through various owners. The violin is cleverly animated through the voice of a 17th-century tarot card reader who tells its future and lets it serve as tour guide across four centuries and five countries. The narrative structure is similarly engaging as a contemporary auction is the touchstone from which flashbacks of its travels emerge and converge. Also, sound and image are harmoniously fused together as the score dictates and justifies much of the pacing. Kudos to you, Red Violin, and also to your supporting actor, Samuel L. Jackson, who courts you without shame.

--Polly Higgns

Full Length Reviews
The Red Violin
The Red Violin
The Red Violin

Capsule Reviews
The Red Violin

Film Vault Suggested Links
A Pure Formality
Ce´re´monie, La
Ceremonie, La

Rate this Film
If you don't want to vote on a film yet, and would like to know how others voted, leave the rating selection as "Vote Here" and then click the Cast Vote button.