The Red Violin 1999
Directed by
François Girard
Made by
Lions Gate Films
Plot Summary
This captivating film revolves around a remarkable red violin crafted in 1681 by the esteemed Cremonese violinmaker, Nicolo Bussotti, in anticipation of his child’s arrival. The story unfolds through a series of episodes intricately tied together by the fortune-telling of a servant woman named Cesca, who reads tarot cards meant for Nicolo’s expectant wife, Anna. Surprisingly, the cards do not forecast Anna’s destiny but rather the violin’s tumultuous journey.
As the narrative progresses, we learn that this violin will become Nicolo’s final masterpiece—a beautifully intricate instrument possessing unparalleled resonance across all its sound characteristics. Tragically, after the death of his beloved Anna during childbirth, Nicolo finishes the violin, using secret ingredients that impart its striking red hue.
A pivotal moment in the film is the auction of the Red Violin at the Duval auction house in Canada. From there, we follow the violin’s fascinating history as it changes hands repeatedly. Initially, it finds itself in an Austrian monastery, where it is played by young talents, including a gifted six-year-old named Kaspar Weiss, who receives guidance from his mentor, Georges Poussin. Unfortunately, Kaspar’s promising life is cut short during an audition for Prince Mansfeld.
The violin, which lies with Kaspar in the grave, is eventually unearthed and comes into the possession of various gypsy owners. One group of gypsies brings it to the English countryside, where the renowned violinist, Lord Frederick Pope, becomes enchanted by the instrument. His infatuation with the violin leads to tragic events—a love triangle that ends with Lord Pope’s lover discovering him in bed with the violin and another woman, resulting in her shooting the instrument. Devastated, Lord Pope subsequently takes his own life.
The violin then embarks on a new chapter, transported to China by Pope’s former servant, who pawns it with a Shanghai merchant focused solely on the gemstone embedded in the violin’s scroll. By 1937, it resides with a bourgeois Chinese family, managing to withstand the onslaught of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, which deemed Western music unacceptable. Following the collector’s death, the anonymous violin becomes part of an odd collection of stringed instruments, including a genuine Stradivarius, all “inherited” by the Chinese government.
At the Canadian auction, descendants of the violin’s former owners reunite, vying for its ownership, alongside Charles Morritz (played by Samuel L. Jackson), a violin expert tasked with verifying the Stradivarius for customs evaluation. Morritz instinctively senses the truth about the mysterious red instrument nestled among the auction consignment from China. As the film unfolds, viewers witness a series of determined buyers arrive, each with their own aspirations regarding the coveted red violin, weaving a rich tapestry of music, fate, and longing.
Timeline
Creation of the Red Violin
In 1681, renowned Cremonese violin maker Nicolo Bussotti begins crafting a remarkable violin in anticipation of his child's arrival. This violin is destined to be his final masterpiece, imbued with secret ingredients that give it a striking red hue.
Fortune-Telling
As Nicolo prepares for the birth of his child, a servant woman named Cesca reads tarot cards intended for Nicolo's wife, Anna. Surprisingly, the cards do not predict Anna's fate but instead foreshadow the tumultuous journey of the violin.
Tragic Loss
The joy of creation turns into sorrow when Anna tragically dies during childbirth. Heartbroken, Nicolo completes the violin, pouring his grief and love into the intricate instrument, forever marking it with significant emotional weight.
Auction at Duval Auction House
The Red Violin's fate takes a pivotal turn when it is placed for auction at the Duval auction house in Canada. Here, the violin's history begins to unfold as various bidders compete for the exquisite instrument.
First Owner: Kaspar Weiss
The violin is initially acquired by an Austrian monastery, where it is played by a talented young boy named Kaspar Weiss. Guided by his mentor, Georges Poussin, Kaspar shows immense potential, but his bright future is cut short during a fateful audition.
Kaspar's Tragic End
During an audition for Prince Mansfeld, the promising young Kaspar tragically loses his life. The violin, now intertwined with his legacy, is buried with him, creating a poignant connection between the instrument and the young prodigy.
The Gypsies' Possession
After being buried with Kaspar, the Red Violin is unearthed and comes into the hands of various gypsy owners. They transport it across regions, ensuring its journey through different cultures and experiences.
Lord Frederick Pope's Infatuation
The violin finds its way to the English countryside, where it captivates the heart of renowned violinist Lord Frederick Pope. His obsession leads to jealous turmoil in his relationships, culminating in tragic consequences for both him and the violin.
The Love Triangle and Tragedy
A devastating love triangle ensues, resulting in Lord Pope's lover discovering him in a compromising position with the violin. In a fit of rage, she shoots the prized instrument, leading Pope to succumb to despair and take his own life.
Transfer to China
Following Lord Pope's death, his former servant takes the Red Violin to China, pawning it with a merchant. The focus of the transaction shifts from the violin’s artistry to the valuable gemstone set within its scroll.
Survival through Cultural Revolution
By 1937, the violin is owned by a bourgeois Chinese family and manages to survive the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, a time when Western music is deemed unacceptable. This resilience speaks to the enduring nature of the instrument's legacy.
Government Collection
After the owner’s death, the violin enters a bizarre collection of stringed instruments, including a Stradivarius, which is later appropriated by the Chinese government. It becomes part of a narrative that intertwines art and political history.
Auction Reunion
At the Canadian auction, descendants of the violin's past owners converge, each eager to reclaim the beloved instrument. They are joined by Charles Morritz, a violin expert who senses the significance of the mysterious Red Violin amidst the auction consignment.
A Tapestry of Aspirations
As the auction unfolds, determined buyers present their aspirations for the coveted Red Violin. This gathering of individuals, each with their own motivations, highlights the enduring allure and emotional weight of the instrument throughout its storied past.
Characters
Nicolo Bussotti (Carlo Cecchi)
Nicolo Bussotti is a passionate and talented violinmaker who pours his heart into crafting the red violin, destined to be his final masterpiece. His character is marked by deep emotional ties to his family, particularly his wife Anna, whose life and death impact his work profoundly. As he navigates sorrow and duty, Nicolo's creation becomes a vessel of hope amidst his heartbreak.
Georges Poussin (Jean-Luc Bideau)
Georges Poussin is a mentor to young Kaspar Weiss, exemplifying dedication and a deep understanding of music. His nurturing attitude contributes to Kaspar's development as a musician, yet he is also a figure burdened by the weight of fate surrounding the young talent. His character embodies the importance of guidance and the impact of mentorship on an artist's journey.
Charles Morritz (Samuel L. Jackson)
Charles Morritz is a seasoned violin expert with an innate ability to perceive the truth about the red violin. His character is marked by a blend of expertise and intuition, navigating the auction scene with keen awareness of the instrument's history and value. Morritz's quest to uncover the violin's importance underscores the themes of music and legacy.
Setting
Time period
1681 - 1937
The narrative spans across several centuries, beginning in 1681 when the red violin is crafted. It follows significant historical and cultural shifts leading up to 1937, a period that witnessed the impact of historical events such as wars and revolutions on art and music. This era encapsulates the stories of loss, passion, and resilience, showcasing how the red violin endures trials that reflect the changing values and cultures of different times.
Location
Cremona, Duval auction house, Austria, English countryside, China
Cremona is renowned for its exceptional violin craftsmanship, being the birthplace of famous violin makers like Nicolo Bussotti. The Duval auction house in Canada serves as a significant location where the red violin's tumultuous journey culminates. Other notable places include the Austrian monastery where young talents, including Kaspar Weiss, honed their skills, and the English countryside where the violinist Lord Frederick Pope became tragically entwined in its fate. Lastly, the violin's journey takes it to China, where it quietly survives the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution.
Themes
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Fate
The theme of fate runs throughout the film, as the red violin's journey intertwines the lives of its owners across different epochs. Each character's destiny seems influenced by their connection to the violin, which serves as a catalyst for joy, tragedy, and longing. This notion of fate highlights the unpredictability of life, showcasing how one object can shape multiple destinies.
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Loss
Loss is a poignant theme, as many characters experience profound grief tied to the violin. From Nicolo's heartbreak over Anna's death to Lord Pope's tragic end, the film explores how music can evoke deep emotions that reflect the characters' inner turmoil. The red violin becomes a symbol of their unresolved sorrow and the fleeting nature of love.
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Artistry
The exquisite craftsmanship of the red violin embodies the theme of artistry. Celebrating the dedication of artisans like Nicolo Bussotti, the film pays homage to the passion and skill involved in creating beautiful music. The violin's journey through various hands also illustrates the idea of art as a universal language, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries.
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