The Beat That My Heart Skipped

Watch The Beat That My Heart Skipped

"Can music tame the raging soul?"
  • NR
  • 2005
  • 1 hr 47 min
  • 7.2  (20,396)
  • 75

The Beat That My Heart Skipped is a French drama film from 2005, directed by Jacques Audiard, and starring Romain Duris, Aure Atika, and Emmanuelle Devos. The film is a remake of the American movie Fingers, which was directed by James Toback in 1978. The story follows Tom Seyr (Romain Duris), a young man who lives in Paris and works as a real estate agent. He leads a double life, trying to balance his job with his passion for music, which he inherited from his late mother who was a pianist. Tom struggles to find meaning and direction in his life, and is torn between his father's expectations of him and his own dreams.

Tom's father, Robert Seyr (Niels Arestrup), is a shady businessman who has a history of criminal activities. He is involved in corrupt real estate deals and operates a nightclub, where Tom sometimes plays the piano. Tom's father wants him to follow in his footsteps, but Tom is reluctant to get involved in illegal activities. Tom meets a musician named Miao Lin (Linh Dan Pham) who inspires him to pursue his music career. However, his father's criminal past catches up with him, and Tom is forced to choose between his loyalty to his family and his own desires.

The film is a character study of Tom, who is a complex and conflicted protagonist. He is torn between his love for music, his loyalty to his father, and his own moral convictions. Tom is a flawed and imperfect character, but also sympathetic and relatable. Romain Duris delivers an intense and nuanced performance, capturing the emotional turmoil of his character.

The movie is also notable for its stylish and atmospheric cinematography. The film has a gritty and realistic visual style, which reflects the urban setting of Paris. The camera work is often handheld and close-up, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The film's soundtrack is also a highlight, featuring a mix of classical music, jazz, and hip-hop.

The movie explores themes of identity, ambition, and family. Tom is struggling to find his place in the world, and the film questions whether he can reconcile his conflicting desires. The film also explores the relationship between father and son, and the influence of family on individual identity. The film suggests that one's past may shape one's future, but also that one has the power to change one's fate.

The Beat That My Heart Skipped is a compelling and emotionally charged drama, which showcases Jacques Audiard's talent as a filmmaker. The film is a thoughtful and nuanced character study, which explores complex themes with subtlety and depth. The movie is a remake of Fingers, but it stands on its own as a powerful and memorable work of cinema.

In summary, The Beat That My Heart Skipped is a French drama film that explores the complex protagonist Tom as he navigates his love for music with the expectations of his father and the outside world around him. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film with compelling cinematography and a memorable soundtrack. Jacques Audiard's direction is on point, with Romain Duris delivering an intense and nuanced performance. The film is a character study that examines themes of identity, ambition, and family, and it comes across as a powerful and memorable work of cinema.

The Beat That My Heart Skipped
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Description
  • Release Date
    2005
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 47 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (20,396)
  • Metascore
    75