The title is quite misleading as this fifty five minute biopic barely qualifies for a sketch. Simply put, too much important stuff is left out. Let's start with that "doctor" in the title character's name. Doctor of what, exactly? Musicology, presumably, but with what specialization? From what institution? And beyond a single, cryptic line about having an unhappy childhood we get nothing about Antonia's upbringing. Why unhappy? Who was her father? Mother? Siblings, if any? What about the important people in her life beyond Al Schweitzer? Any husbands? Wives? Partners? Great friends? Enemies (other than a cartoonish Jose Iturbi)? Anyhow, you get the picture. Somewhat thin gruel for a satisfying meal. Still, I liked it well enough and found Dr. Brico engaging enough in her combination of anger, orneriness, wistfulness and humor to Google her. Give it a C plus.
Review of Antonia: A Portrait of the Woman
