Watch Glenn Gould: Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould

Glenn Gould: Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould is a unique cinematic experience about the life of legendary Canadian pianist Glenn Gould. Directed by Francois Girard and released in 1993, the film is a collection of thirty-two short films that explore different aspects of the musician's life and career. It stars Colm Feore in the titular role, who delivers a captivating performance that brings Gould's character to life.

The film begins with a monologue by Gould himself, taken from one of his radio interviews, in which he reflects on his life and art. This sets the tone for the rest of the film, which is a blend of fact and fiction, biography and fantasy, music and images. Each short film is named after one of Bach's Goldberg Variations, one of the most famous pieces that Gould recorded, and is inspired by a different aspect of Gould's life or character.

Some of the short films focus on Gould's love for nature and his eccentric habits, such as his use of a chair with an extra-low seat, his dislike of live performances, and his obsession with recording technology. Others delve into his relationship with his family, his search for a soul mate, and his philosophical musings on time and death. Some of the most beautiful and poignant moments in the film are those that portray Gould's passion for music, his mastery of the piano, and his unique interpretation of Bach's works.

Throughout the film, Feore portrays Gould with great subtlety and depth, capturing both his brilliance and his quirks. He embodies Gould's physical mannerisms, such as his hunched posture and his awkward gestures, as well as his emotional states, such as his joyful exuberance and his brooding introspection. Feore also performs some of Gould's signature pieces on the piano, adding a layer of authenticity to the film that is rare in biopics.

The cinematography of the film is also noteworthy, as it blends different styles and techniques to create a visual poetry that mirrors Gould's music. Some short films use black and white photography to evoke a nostalgic mood, while others use vivid colors to emphasize the beauty of nature or the intensity of emotions. The camera often lingers on close-ups of Gould's hands, revealing the intricate movements that make his playing so unique. The use of archival footage and photographs also adds a sense of historical depth to the film, reminding us of Gould's impact on the world of music.

One of the strengths of Glenn Gould: Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould is its unconventional structure, which challenges the traditional boundaries of storytelling. The film does not follow a linear plot or a chronological order, but rather jumps from one fragment of Gould's life to another, leaving gaps and silences that the viewer must fill with their own imagination. This approach creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that is rarely found in biopics, as it invites the viewer to connect with Gould as a human being, rather than a distant icon.

Another strength of the film is its use of music, which is not merely a background score, but an integral part of the narrative. The film immerses us in Gould's world of music, allowing us to hear his recordings, his improvisations, and his philosophizing about the nature of music. The film also features a variety of other Bach compositions, as well as pieces by other composers, such as Scriabin, Sibelius, and Byrd, that Gould admired.

In conclusion, Glenn Gould: Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould is a masterpiece of filmmaking that celebrates the life and legacy of a unique artist. It is a film that defies categorization and demands multiple viewings, as each short film reveals new layers of meaning and emotion. It is a film that speaks to the heart and the mind, the senses and the soul, and reminds us of the power of art to transcend time and space.

Glenn Gould: Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould is a 2013 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.