atlasmb I have always thought how amazing it would have been to have attended the first playing of a Mozart composition, a Beethoven symphony or, perhaps, a Chopin sonata--to hear it with fresh ears within the context of its time. What a privilege!"Eroica" transports the viewer to the first performance of Beethoven's "Eroica", which was a tribute to Napoleon. In attendance are a handful of lucky music lovers and the staff who attend the home of Prince Lobkowitz (Jack Davenport), Beethoven's host and benefactor. The audience includes some knowledgeable listeners, some friends of Beethoven, and some neophyte ears.The direction is very intimate, allowing the camera to move around the salon as freely as the listeners. It rests on faces to register their dismay, surprise, confusion or elation. This new symphony defies conventions and, understandably, is not easily absorbed. The film poses some questions. "Can music exist independently of politics?" The answer appears to be no, but in the end, Beethoven's symphony manages to honor its true inspiration, despite political changes, thus transcending politics. "What is genius?" An insightful deviation from norms?The music reflects Beethoven's essence. It is romantic, moody, urgent, brooding, tempestuous. Beethoven, with his tragic life view, is a dark visage. He is a tool perfect for one thing--the expression of that artistic genius. Ian Hart certainly looks as we expect Beethoven to look, and he really seems to own the music as only its creator could.One latecomer to the concert is Josef Haydn (Frank Finlay), representing the old guard. He recognizes, perhaps sadly, the revolution inherent in what he hears.How wonderful to enjoy Beethoven's Third through such an immersive experience. Music lovers should find this film captivating.

Rod Parke First of all, the performance of the symphony is terrific and beautifully recorded in 5.1 Dolby. The movie achieves a minor miracle in conveying how NEW and downright shocking this greatest of Beethoven's symphonies was. It also presents a believable and sympathetic view of his personality, passions, and temper.The movie is very good looking and fun from start to finish. The appearance of Haydn and his utterances about the new symphony are perfect, according to what we know about his personality.My favorites for this work have been Klemperer on EMI and Hogwood on Archiv, but I now prefer this performance over them all (including Bruno Walter's).Easily the best movie about Beethoven that I have seen.

JimShine For some puzzling reason, I never really "got" the Eroica, but thanks to this marvellous production I (and hopefully many others) finally understand not only why the symphony was so important but also why it's so good! The basic idea of the film is that Prince Lobkowitz's orchestra is giving the first performance of the symphony for the prince and princess, the composer, and a few guests. After a shortish buildup to introduce the characters, the orchestra begins - and carries on for most of the film. As the music plays, we watch the characters listening, and occasionally hear their opinions. There is outrage when a trumpet comes in at the "wrong" time; smiles at certain musical turns of phrase; frowns at how loud it is. This superb film marries a great performance of a great work with an intelligent effort to put the whole thing in the context of its time. It isn't a film for people who already know all about the Eroica, but for a viewer who doesn't know Haydn from Howard Shore it must surely be enlightening.

jocelyne-4 Not so much film noir as film dusk, I spent the first ten minutes waiting for the set lights to be switched on. Having said that, Eroica is a beautiful to look at period piece about the first playing of Beethoven's Eroica or 'Napoleon' symphony (played by the wonderful Orchestre Revolutionaire et Romantique) for Prince Lobokowitz in Vienna. The film spans a day in the life of Beethoven in June 1804, examining not only his life and loves, but the lives of the musicians and the staff of the Palace in Vienna.Much of the 'action' revolves around the audience of this magical performance. If only the Director had resisted the temptation to spin round the viewers as they watched! The film certainly flew by, but I was left wishing that this was only the start of the film and not the totality.