Watch Music to Madness: The Story of Komitas

Music to Madness: The Story of Komitas is a 2019 biographical drama film that chronicles the life of Armenian musician and composer Komitas, who is one of the most celebrated figures in the country's cultural history. The movie stars Saro Bedoyan as Komitas, with Leila Benmerrouche and Herows Hovsepian in supporting roles. The film is set in the early 20th century, when the Ottoman Empire still controlled Armenia. Komitas is a talented musician who is dedicated to preserving Armenian folk music and introducing it to the world. He becomes a celebrated figure in Armenian academic circles and is invited to teach at the prestigious Darbeyagitz School in Constantinople, where he comes into contact with other prominent Armenian intellectuals and artists.

However, Komitas's life takes a tragic turn when the Ottoman Empire begins its genocidal campaign against the Armenian people in 1915. He is one of the many Armenians who are rounded up and deported to concentration camps, where he witnesses and experiences horrific atrocities. The trauma of these experiences leads him to develop severe mental health issues, including profound depression and PTSD, which ultimately drive him to madness.

Music to Madness is an emotionally powerful and gripping film that combines historical drama with psychological study. The movie's greatest strength lies in its portrayal of Komitas's character, which is both nuanced and sympathetic. The film shows the audience the incredible depth of his pain and anguish as he struggles to navigate the horrors of the Armenian genocide and its aftermath.

Saro Bedoyan delivers an outstanding performance as Komitas, bringing a quiet intensity to the role that is both subtle and poignant. He embodies the character's complex emotions with sensitivity and depth, making the audience feel the full weight of his suffering. Leila Benmerrouche and Herows Hovsepian are also excellent in their respective roles, helping to flesh out the world around Komitas and give the audience a sense of the larger historical context in which he lived.

One of the most notable aspects of the film is its remarkable attention to detail in terms of its historical accuracy. The filmmakers have clearly done their research, and the film presents an authentic and immersive portrayal of life in Armenia and the Ottoman Empire during this period. The movie's visual style is similarly impressive, making use of a muted color palette and naturalistic lighting to create an immersive and haunting atmosphere.

Music to Madness isn't an easy film to watch, as it deals with heavy and emotionally charged subject matter. However, it is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted movie, which sheds light on the life of a remarkable artist and sheds important light on the horrors of the Armenian genocide. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to explore difficult and complex subjects and to create empathy and understanding across cultures and times.

In conclusion, Music to Madness: The Story of Komitas is a gripping and powerful film that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. This movie is an important part of Armenian cultural history and is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the Ottoman Empire, the genocide of the Armenian people, or the life of an incredible artist. Highly recommended.

Music to Madness: The Story of Komitas is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.