Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould (1994)

89% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
79% of users liked it
(4,096 ratings)

The highly acclaimed and famously eccentric classical pianist Glenn Gould is the subject of this idiosyncratic film portrait. As the title suggests, Gould's life is explored through a series of thirty-two self-contained but interrelated vignettes, a structure inspired by Bach's "Goldberg… More The highly acclaimed and famously eccentric classical pianist Glenn Gould is the subject of this idiosyncratic film portrait. As the title suggests, Gould's life is explored through a series of thirty-two self-contained but interrelated vignettes, a structure inspired by Bach's "Goldberg Variations," the compositions that were the basis for one of Gould's most famous recordings. Fictional recreations, many starring an excellent Colm Feore as Gould, follow the musician from his precocious childhood to his early death at the age of fifty. Juicy biographical details like a surprising early retirement from public performance and an addiction to prescription drugs are featured prominently, but equal attention is paid to Gould's challenging theoretical ideas. Director Francois Girard refuses to provide easy explanations for the pianist's quirks, instead using his unconventional structure to provide great insight while suggesting the real Gould remains essentially unknowable. Especially interesting is the film's mix of dramatization and documentary, as it juxtaposes its fictional recreations with actual interviews with Gould's friends and associates. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: François Girard
Written By: Don McKellar, François Girard, Glenn Gould
Genres: Documentary, Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Art House & International

In Theaters: Sep 14, 1993 Wide
On DVD: Feb 20, 2001
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
One of the great documentaries, or if you will semi-documentaries.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
The film's strategy is to present many diverse fragments about Gould, each capturing an aspect of his artistry and/or personality, so that the cumulative effect would give the viewer a glimpse of the man and his times.
Jake Euker, F5 (Wichita, KS)
...but not one long one.
Dan Lybarger, Nitrate Online
An engaging and rather appropriate perspective on the gifted and eccentric musician.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Imaginative and engaging work of art which pioneers a new form of screen biography.
Jaime N. Christley, Apollo Guide
The films are short, vignettes mostly, but in concert they do more than a conventional two-hour biopic ever could.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Tim S

A really original and well crafted film with a great performance by Colm Feore. I didn't know a lot about this Gould guy, but I am pretty sure that I would want to beat the shit out of him if I met him. I am not a fan of eccentric people who really have no reason to be eccentric… More
A really original and well crafted film with a great performance by Colm Feore. I didn't know a lot about this Gould guy, but I am pretty sure that I would want to beat the shit out of him if I met him. I am not a fan of eccentric people who really have no reason to be eccentric other than the fact that they are talented at something.
Jennifer X

I have such mixed feelings about this film. The musical selection was perfect. Glenn Gould has always been one of my favorite pianists and his music brings this film to life. As for the actual film...sigh. It's a highly artsy film that bites off more than it can chew - the usual… More
I have such mixed feelings about this film. The musical selection was perfect. Glenn Gould has always been one of my favorite pianists and his music brings this film to life. As for the actual film...sigh. It's a highly artsy film that bites off more than it can chew - the usual problem with films in this genre. It tends to capitalize upon Gould's eccentricities rather than look into the real man and thus achieves a highly surfacy effect. So, I don't know. If I looked at this as a 93 minute concert, it was magnificent, but as a movie, it fails. But I can't say I didn't enjoy the film; I would watch it again in a heartbeat.
Bill C

The movie is constructed of 32 short films that fit together on a preverbal way. There really is no time line and all of the segments are shot in stunningly different styles. The movie and his music are very complimentary. His music falls into the catch-all modern Jazz bucket. Like… More
The movie is constructed of 32 short films that fit together on a preverbal way. There really is no time line and all of the segments are shot in stunningly different styles. The movie and his music are very complimentary. His music falls into the catch-all modern Jazz bucket. Like his music, the movie meanders around; has high points and are pleasantly amusing. I caught this movie on cable several years ago and viewed it several times after. Don't look for an arc or a point just enjoy it.