38
Metascore
7 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75RogerEbert.comSimon AbramsRogerEbert.comSimon AbramsIt's an anti-romantic biography about a great artist, one whose central themes are basic, but whose energy and execution is irresistible.
- 60Los Angeles TimesSheri LindenLos Angeles TimesSheri LindenFirst-time actor Garrett is better at conveying Paganini's artistic sensitivity and self-indulgence than his innovative fire. When he picks up the fiddle, though, he speaks with eloquent authority.
- 40Village VoiceAaron HillisVillage VoiceAaron HillisBernard Rose's elegantly staged but tonally flat biopic embraces the myth, even underscoring Paganini's rising fame, scandalous hedonism, and womanizing as an anachronistic form of rock-star fantasy.
- 40The DissolveTasha RobinsonThe DissolveTasha RobinsonGarrett’s performance lacks any nuance or fire. When he’s playing, he’s a powerhouse. When he’s talking, he’s a half-presence with a vaguely Tommy Wiseau-esque accent, and sleepy eyes to match.
- 30VarietyNick SchagerVarietyNick SchagerThe film is proof of both Garrett’s titanic skill at putting bow to string, and his decidedly less accomplished gifts as an actor.
- 30The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisThe New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisA shallow commentary on how an artist’s talent can be subsumed by the desire for fame and fortune. Or maybe just by the need to make a movie.
- 30The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckPonderously paced and mostly flat in its dramatic effect, this wooden period piece is slow going indeed.