"IMMORTAL BELOVED" (1994) - (Musical Mystery Video Risk) Excellent musical mystery biography of Ludwig van Beethoven. Gary Oldman is perfect as the tortured Beethoven whose passion for women left the world with a still nagging question: "Who was Beethoven's Immortal Beloved?" Skillful telling in flashback of epiphanies in Ludwig van's life and a plausible answer to the question. Suitable for Valentine's Weekend viewing.

The Story - A mysterious note left is behind by Ludwig van Beethoven addressed to his "Immortal Beloved," presumably one of Beethoven's many lovers. The film is told mainly in flashback as Schindler, Beethoven's friend, played by Jeroen Krabbe, attempts to discover the identity of Beethoven's beloved. In his search, Schindler retraces the life of one the most famous figures of his time. We learn that Beethoven's passion for music was matched by his passion for women and romance.

The Review - One of the best movies of 1994. Beautifully crafted period film from director Bernard Rose, who formerly brought us the uneven horror film "Candyman." "Immortal Beloved" is as solid as they come and well worth a look.

Gary Oldman delivers a typically centered performance as Beethoven. Isabella Rossellini, playing Anna Marie Erdody remembers her affair with Ludwig van. Rossellini is great in everything she is in, see "Blue Velvet." Somebody please stop her from doing too much television. Jeroen Krabbe as Schindler studying the mysterious letter. Remember Krabbe in 1998's "Ever After" and the Paul Verhoeven classic "Soldier of Orange" where he appears with a very young Rutger Hauer.

The music is the highlight of the film--get the DVD and turn it up on surround sound.

My wife and I loved this film in the theater, and I hope that you will make it your weekend video risk.

Jonathan Hickman