Thirty Two Short Films about Glenn Gould (1993) - Extract

[@scorpiowatertiger]

I want to cry whenever I watch this scene - it epitomises the rest of the film, and exemplifies the direct connexion Gould strove to achieve with his audience. The man made classical music sound as fresh as improvisation. A Canadian genius who left us too soon.

[@mcsneedy]

this is my favorite moment in the movie. i love the way her head begins to nod to the beat ever so slightly, and then that beautific smile, and then the sudden thought that the performer is sitting next to her. it is one of beethoven's greatest pieces, and no one i have heard has been able to approach the perfect combination of galloping rhythmic ease and crystal clear separation of every note that gould achieves. one of the best portrayals of music in film.

[@GarethRidout]

My fave too!

[@DataSlam]

this scene gave me chills as a kid and it still does

[@neuromantoo]

This is one of the most beautiful scenes ever in a movie. When she picks up the record and realizes that the man in the room is the man on the record it is stunning!

[@braceyourself3537]

It's actually rather stupid and gives Gould too much credit. Now, if he were the composer, this scene would make sense.

[@cmryle]

This beautiful scene perfectly captures what GG was trying to do, his embrace of music and technology in the service of love of humanity. It makes me weep every time I see it. Kate Hennig is perfect as the chambermaid.

[@buzzradu6372]

The is such a brilliant exercise in minimalistic film-making. There are 6 or 7 shorts in this film that still make the hair on my arms stand up...this being one.

[@brucemelendy3245]

yes, she does. and i love that she starts off very nervous about being asked to stay alone in his room but by the time she's leaving she's had a profound experience. and i think knowing that he's the one playing on the record - though it isn't clear whether she's ever heard of him or not - she seems to be according him some respect for being a virtuoso, as well as sharing the moment (presumably the first time he's heard it on vinyl) of listening to it with her.

[@neuromantoo]

Kate Henning's performance as the chambermaid is brilliant. Makes me cry every time and watch it.

[@ahujeffrey]

Makes me cry every time

[@laurent7549]

musique d'une exceptionnelle beauté!

[@bingo1232]

rdnlso - Thank You sooooo much! I've waited 20 years (since the film first came out) to identify the Beethoven sonata we hear in this film. You have made my life richer -- Bless You.

[@echadmeir]

Something just quietly shattering in this scene; the humanity in his playing that is the one connection he can make, which is never quite what most of us think or wish for in connecting. And the shifts in her face register the shifts in the music, from fury to playfulness to something much deeper than we can name.

[@robertgift]

Would perfectionist Glenn have pulled the record out of its slip by the record's edge? That would put contamination into the grooves. He would have let the record slide out, as I do. Wonderful movement of Beethoven. Wish we could see Gould playing it.

[@stevestrom4411]

It is a unique and beautiful thing.

[@robertgift]

Wonderful movement. Sonata 13, middle movement. I have such difficulty not brushing adjacent notes.

[@58Palantine]

I live at Yonge and St. Clair, very close to his apartment and it's a very good place to live.

[@beatricebandarin2836]

Molto bello,sottile atmosfera.Bravo Chris

[@azimmerali]

Dankeschön

[@robertgift]

This scene is so well done! Every detail perfect! Did this actually happen? Nice to hear this movement again.

[@marichristian1072]

Subtle and moving scene.

[@marichristian1072]

Glad you liked, M.Vercin

[@robertgift]

Thank you, rdnlso, for sharing this. (Forgot to say this originally.) At 3:20 I struggle with getting the offset notes perfect. At 2:30 and 3:34 I (improperly?) use the sostenuto pedal. Makes it sound desperate and glorious.

[@robertgift]

Wonderful! Is 318 (his room number) his Steinway Piano number?

[@davidorme1993]

All the years I've watched this, and I never realized it. No way it was a coincidence.

[@bryanshapiro6977]

My personal metaphor for "brilliance meets enlightment".......watch the chambermaid......

[@edboytim2534]

i agree

[@robertgift]

I have such difficulty withe last part (starting at 3:20) Wish we could see Glenn play this.

[@MrRicksStudio]

@C21H23ClFNO2 I guess she says "danke", which is German for "thank you".

[@benpowell5007]

Great film, but he doesn't look anything like me.

[@Mr1Nader]

Room 318

[@NormAppleton]

Not really Hope you like boat shoes.

[@mcrettable]

would glenn be that unkempt?

[@trias418]

gould's rendition of this is so bad unfortunately. (love him elsewhere with beethoven though!)