The Legend Of The Pianist On The Ocean

The Legend of the pianist on the ocean

La leggenda del pianista sull'oceano (original title)

An italian production.

Plot:

A man, a piano the the ocean.

Review:

On the very first day of the year 1900, an child is found aboard a luxury liner in the coal room. A worker on the ship, played by Bill Nunn, discovers the child on The Virginian as the liner is called and names him 1900 with the full name being Danny Boodmann T.D. Lemon Nineteen-Hundred. The little boy goes on to loose his father 8 years later and in that same time frame realizes a wonderful gift of his, playing the piano.

This is a story based upon on a monologue by the Italian novelist Alessandro Baricco. A narrator is used in the film and that job is entrusted on to Max (Pruitt Taylor Vince) which is an American saxophone player. On his way to the pawn shop with a trumpet when he gets to hear the only recording done by 1900. Being told the master recording is aboard a ship that is about to be demolished he goes on a trip to try and save 1900 which he believes is on it. Max gets completely fascinated by 1900 and his music and he proceeds to speak of him to others in order to convince them he exist.


Through the interesting use of jumping back and forth in the timeline we get to see the story of 1900 and his life on the boat, travelling from one continent to the other. The question thats being raised in the film is whether or not he will actually leave the ship and explore the world outside of it?

Ennio Morricone is praised for his musical composition to movies and he delivers in this one aswell. Beautiful music and a beautiful story where Tim Roth does some very good acting. Even though this movie got a golden globe I have to say it feels a bit overlooked.

Trailer:

Posted in: