Percy Grainger was an important Australian composer and a wonderful pianist, and this engaging film looks at both the musical aspects of Grainger's life (such as his interest in folk music and experimentation), as well as his eccentric lifestyle (his intense relationship with his mother sparked rumours of incest, and he practised sado-masochism with his lovers).
All the actors are wonderful, especially Richard Roxburgh playing the mercurial Grainger, but also Barbara Hershey as his doting, but brittle mother with whom he often shares a bed, and Emily Woof, who plays his Danish lover who submits to his erotic whims. Claudia Karvan is also excellent as Grainger's musician friend who refuses his advances but helps him as a friend.
The film is an entertaining reminder of a largely forgotten complex musical phenomenon.
All the actors are wonderful, especially Richard Roxburgh playing the mercurial Grainger, but also Barbara Hershey as his doting, but brittle mother with whom he often shares a bed, and Emily Woof, who plays his Danish lover who submits to his erotic whims. Claudia Karvan is also excellent as Grainger's musician friend who refuses his advances but helps him as a friend.
The film is an entertaining reminder of a largely forgotten complex musical phenomenon.