Immortal Beloved (1994)

58% of critics liked it
(31 reviews)
86% of users liked it
(19,903 ratings)

This biography of Ludwig von Beethoven (played here by Gary Oldman) builds its narrative around an actual letter found after his death, addressed only to the composer's "immortal beloved." The responsibility of discovering this mysterious person's identity falls to Beethoven's friend and secretary… More This biography of Ludwig von Beethoven (played here by Gary Oldman) builds its narrative around an actual letter found after his death, addressed only to the composer's "immortal beloved." The responsibility of discovering this mysterious person's identity falls to Beethoven's friend and secretary (Jeroen Krabbé), who sets out on an investigation that soon becomes an exploration of the composer's life. Through recollections and scattered hints, we receive glimpses of Beethoven's relationships with women, particularly his close interaction with a pair of very different Countesses. The film also pays prominent attention to the composer's oddly obsessive relationship with the young nephew whom he attempted to mold in his own image, and Beethoven's eventual hearing loss and descent into emotional instability. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 1 min.
Directed By: Bernard Rose
Written By: Bernard Rose
Genres: Drama, Romance

In Theaters: Dec 16, 1994 Wide
On DVD: Aug 28, 2001
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

James Plath, Movie Metropolis
Not as much mystery or tension as it could have had, but the film is still movingly evocative of the period and the composer's inner state.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
I doubet whether Rose's speculative and overwroght chronicle of Beethoven will rekindle interest in the composer's life and work in the same way that Amadeus did for Mozart.
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum
A little slow, but overall a good film.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
completely nuts!
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Imitation Ken Russell biopic lacking in power and a feel for the music.
S. James Wegg, JWR
As writer and director, Bernard Rose must take full responsibility for the fictions masquerading as fact in his treatment of Beethoven's life and loves.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
real coup is the perfect casting of consummate chameleon actor Gary Oldman as Beethoven.

Read all 7 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Raymond W

Gary Oldman is absolutely phenomenal here as Ludwig van Beethoven but the supporting cast is a bit overacted or sometimes wooden and fake. The film itself is a little confusing and slow but it's easy to forget that when you're wrapped up in the mystery, and when watching… More
Gary Oldman is absolutely phenomenal here as Ludwig van Beethoven but the supporting cast is a bit overacted or sometimes wooden and fake. The film itself is a little confusing and slow but it's easy to forget that when you're wrapped up in the mystery, and when watching Oldman give a tour de force performance, and listening to the magnificent music of Beethoven.
Jeff "

Immortal Beloved is an incredible biopic about one of the most famed composers who ever lived. Gary Oldman is the perfect choice to play composer Ludwig Van Beethoven. He brought such charisma to his performance that it's a shame he didn't win an Oscar. I thought he was… More
Immortal Beloved is an incredible biopic about one of the most famed composers who ever lived. Gary Oldman is the perfect choice to play composer Ludwig Van Beethoven. He brought such charisma to his performance that it's a shame he didn't win an Oscar. I thought he was excellent in the role. Immortal Beloved is a well crafted picture that focuses on the life of Beethoven, and with Gary Oldman's incredible performance, it adds so much to this already impressive film. Whenever a filmmaker decides to tells an artists story on film, it can be either bad or goo. But like Amadeus before it, Immortal Beloved has the distinction of being an incredible and memorable film about another famous composer. The film is different than Amadeus, but it still manages to be just as grand as that film was. Because after all, Beethoven wasn't a forgettable person. Director Bernard Rose did a fine job at bringing Beethoven's life to the screen, and with this cast; he's able to convey a near flawless piece of cinema to the screen. Immortal Beloved is a beautifully acted and told film that has a wonderful story. This is a film for people who admire Beethoven and for Classical music fans everywhere. As of yet, this is the best biopic on Beethoven's life that I have seen, and with Gary Oldman in the lead role, it will be very hard to find someone to outdo his performance. A truly engaging picture.
moon r

How to depict "genius"? Yes, there are the achievements ... but why? This movie goes with love as the motivating factor that drove perhaps the world's most renowned composer, the Einstein of music, Beethoven. Oldman, no slouch artist himself, is magnetic as a soul… More
How to depict "genius"? Yes, there are the achievements ... but why? This movie goes with love as the motivating factor that drove perhaps the world's most renowned composer, the Einstein of music, Beethoven. Oldman, no slouch artist himself, is magnetic as a soul slowly losing that which is most to him in this captivating mystery that attempts to define the undefinable. A worthy effort.
Randy T

I enjoyed this one immensely Gary Oldman has such depth and range that he disappears into his characters. It doesn't matter if he's playing Count Dracula or Sid Vicious or Ludwig Van Beethoven, I'm never consciously aware that I'm watching an imitation.… More
I enjoyed this one immensely Gary Oldman has such depth and range that he disappears into his characters. It doesn't matter if he's playing Count Dracula or Sid Vicious or Ludwig Van Beethoven, I'm never consciously aware that I'm watching an imitation. He's just that good.
Tom E

Does for Beethoven what Amadeus did for Mozart -- Only BETTER!!!!!
Curtis L

This movie is beautiful. His life totally sucked, a real tortured genius. The end of this movie when he is in the lake as ode to joy plays is one of the most powerful things i've ever seen.
Burger S

I liked Amadeus better, but Mozart was more of a character. Oldman, once again, did a hell of a job.
Leo L

Great!