OK, the film isn't a masterpiece but Stuart's performance is flawless! ..and Luca Flores is one the biggest pianists of the 20th century. I recommend listening to the (worryingly titled) album "For those I never knew". It's incredibly moving, especially if you know when he recorded most of it (* see below).
Probably the main flaws of the movie are:
1) as regards to the screenplay: a somewhat simplification of Flores' insanity. In my opinion his profoundness, thoughts and experiences (especially through music) about the painfulness/sadness of human life represent the main culprit of his disease. Of course the tragic death of his mother fits in this picture. However, Stuart's performance is impeccable.
2) Jasmine Trinca, who's a mediocre actress indeed: his performance is unbearably affected (and always self-similar), especially when considering the incredible naturalness of Kim Rossi Stuart. Mysteriously, many Italian directors (e.g. Moretti, Giordana) want her for their movies... Further her character is not very well defined and somewhat implausible: for example, why did she miscarry? did she actually betray him? if not, was her reaction excused enough?
(*) just before committing suicide
Probably the main flaws of the movie are:
1) as regards to the screenplay: a somewhat simplification of Flores' insanity. In my opinion his profoundness, thoughts and experiences (especially through music) about the painfulness/sadness of human life represent the main culprit of his disease. Of course the tragic death of his mother fits in this picture. However, Stuart's performance is impeccable.
2) Jasmine Trinca, who's a mediocre actress indeed: his performance is unbearably affected (and always self-similar), especially when considering the incredible naturalness of Kim Rossi Stuart. Mysteriously, many Italian directors (e.g. Moretti, Giordana) want her for their movies... Further her character is not very well defined and somewhat implausible: for example, why did she miscarry? did she actually betray him? if not, was her reaction excused enough?
(*) just before committing suicide