Watch Glenn Gould - The Russian Journey

The movie Glenn Gould - The Russian Journey from 2002 is a documentary film that chronicles the journey of the renowned Canadian pianist, Glenn Gould, to the Soviet Union in 1957. Directed by Bruno Monsaingeon, the film is an exploration of Gould's musical genius, as well as a tribute to the country that had a profound influence on his life and work. The film features interviews with some of the leading musicians and cultural figures of the twentieth century, including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Mstislav Rostropovich, and Yehudi Menuhin.

The film begins with footage of Gould's arrival in Moscow in 1957. Gould had been invited to the Soviet Union to participate in the First International Tchaikovsky Competition, where he served as a juror. This was a significant event in Gould's career, as it marked his first visit to the country that would have a deep impact on him both personally and artistically. From the outset, the film sets out to explore the reasons for Gould's fascination with Russia and its culture.

One of the key themes of the film is Gould's love of Russian music. Throughout the documentary, we see him playing pieces by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and others. The film also features interviews with Vladimir Ashkenazy and Mstislav Rostropovich, who discuss the importance of Russian music to them and their admiration for Gould's interpretations of these composers.

Another key theme of the film is Gould's love of the Russian people. Gould was fascinated by the culture and history of the Soviet Union, and he took every opportunity to learn about its people and their way of life. The film includes footage of Gould visiting the homes of Russian families and interacting with ordinary people on the street. We also see him speaking at length about his impressions of the country and its people.

Throughout the film, we are given a sense of Gould's personality and his profound intelligence. He was a highly articulate and opinionated individual, and the interviews with his colleagues and friends offer a glimpse into his private world. We learn about his love of literature, his fascination with philosophy, and his passionate commitment to musical excellence. The film also includes footage of Gould performing in concerts and rehearsals, showcasing his unparalleled talent as a musician.

In addition to its exploration of Gould's life and work, the film also provides a fascinating insight into the Soviet Union of the 1950s. We see footage of Moscow and Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), as well as interviews with leading intellectuals and cultural figures of the time. The film offers a poignant reminder of the intense political and social pressures that existed in the Soviet Union at this time. Despite this, Gould was deeply moved by the warmth and generosity of the Russian people, and he remained an outspoken advocate of cultural exchange between the West and the Soviet Union throughout his life.

Overall, Glenn Gould - The Russian Journey is a touching and insightful look at the life of one of the greatest musicians of the twentieth century. Through its exploration of Gould's love of Russia and its culture, the film offers a unique perspective on the relationship between art and politics. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the life and work of this extraordinary pianist.

Glenn Gould - The Russian Journey is a 2002 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.