Review of Piano, The (Special Edition)

Introduction

There are some movies that are so beautifully tragic, so emotive, so powerful that they`re almost unbearable to watch. `The Piano` is such a film. Combining powerful performances with breath-taking cinematography (Stuart Dryburgh) and a haunting (Nyman) score, `The Piano` is quite possibly one of the greatest films ever made.

Despite being difficult viewing (this is a tragic tale), it`s a film that is so frightening powerful that, if you haven`t seen it, you must add to your `gotta see` list.

This Special Edition will do very nicely for those with an interest in the film, though for this review I received just the first of two discs which contained both the movie (with a really impressive transfer) and a fascinating audio commentary.

`The Piano` was, astonishingly, Writer/ director Jane Campion`s third movie (others included `In the Cut` and `An Angel At My Table`) despite having all the hallmarks of a mature Director`s work. Released in 1993, The Piano was nominated for no less than eight Academy Award nominations, and deservedly won Best Actress for Holly Hunter, Best Supporting Actress for eleven year old Anna Paquin and Best Original Screenplay for Jane Campion.

There`s a `Thomas Hardy` feel to this dark love-story. It follows the story of stoic piano playing mother Ada McGrath (played brilliantly by Holly Hunter), who has been a mute from the age of six. Unable to speak, her only solace (and means of expression) is through her piano, and she is a most accomplished pianist.

Her hardy daughter Flora (Anna Paquin) joins her in a journey that takes them from austere nineteenth century Scotland to a new world (via an arranged marriage) in the remote New Zealand wilderness.

It`s clear that Ada has no warm feelings for her new husband Stewart (Sam Neill) who is a judgemental and selfish man. This is further amplified when he refuses when he refuses to transport her hefty piano from the beach to their new home further in land.

A half-Maori neighbour and work colleague of Stewart`s (played magnificently by the unlikely Harvey Keitel) buys the piano and then arranges for Ada to come over as his piano tutor.

Their relationship becomes increasingly physical, initially seeming to be a one-sided allowance to gain access to the Piano, but developing into a highly sensual wordless relationship.

What follows renders the film unsuitable for children, with a frightening level of cruelty and violence as Stewart discovers the affair and wreaks his unhappy revenge upon Ada in a scene that is barely watchable, but also entirely unforgettable.

By some miracle of humanity, this seems to be a cathartic moment that allows Ada to move on, no longer relying so intently on the Piano as her only expressive and emotional outlet.

Video

This is a very nice anamorphic wide-screen transfer that really does some justice to the wonderful cinematic beauty of the film.

Audio

Stereo 2.0 & Dolby Digital 5.1. I selected 5.1 and found it to be a subtle but satisfying mix that occasionally engulfed me as a listener in a wonderful wash of piano.

Features

There`s a recent audio commentary from Jane Campion and producer Jan Chapman on disc 1 which is well worth a listen. Most their sound seemed to come from the rear speakers which was a little disconcerting at first, as I have them arranged just behind my sofa. But after a time I grew to like this spin - their intimate, unpretentious, easy going Australian drawl made me feel as if I was sitting amongst buddies watching the movie. Occasionally a little off-topic, this easy-going impromptu approach seems to work for these two, though the casual unplanned style clearly belies Campion`s incredibly precise approach to filmmaking.

I understand that Disc 2 holds a UK exclusive interview with Michael Nyman, as well as a Making Of documentary, a film of Jane Campion & Jan Chapman in conversation and some trailers.

Conclusion

`The Piano` is almost perfect in every sense. It`s beautifully and painstakingly directed, with long and detailed tracking shots that frequently need complex focus-pulls as fore-ground action replaces back-ground. The wide sea vistas and New Zealand exteriors are beautifully shot giving the film an almost painterly air.

The screenplay is also wonderfully crafted, frequently devoid of lengthy dialogue and relying on the superb performances of its cast to convey hidden feeling and emotion. Holly Hunter deserves special mention as she turns in a powerhouse performance without ever uttering a single-word, rightfully receiving an Oscar for her work.

There is also a wonderful haunting score by Michael Nyman that perfectly compliments the emotional landscape, lending the film an air of aching melancholy mixed with some positivity and hope.

This special edition includes a very fine transfer of the film itself, whilst also providing great insight into the process of creation and will be a welcome addition to any serious film collector`s library.

Whilst it`s hardly a barrel of laughs, I`d recommend this without hesitation though be warned that it will take you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions, and in that respect, is not for the feint-hearted.