The Music Teacher DVD

Released in 1988, Le Maître de Musique ("The Music Teacher") is a film of its time. Director Gerard Corbiau unashamedly merges elements of Amadeus, Diva and Les Liasons Dangereuses in this tale of passion and intrigue, set in France just before World War One--hence the extracts from suitably valedictory Mahler scores. Already established as a world-class baritone, José van Dam here demonstrates his acting credentials as the world-weary Joachim Dallayrac, anxious to pass on his acquired knowledge to his protégés: the impressionable Sophie (stylishly played by Anne Roussel),... and the former conman Jean (over-earnestly taken by Phillipe Volter). The loyalty and rebellion that govern the relationships between teacher and pupils is put to the test with their appearance at a singing contest hosted by Prince Scotti (vividly souped-up by Patrick Bauchau) whom Dallayrac had defeated in a similar event 20 years before. The outcome is intensely theatrical, with Art triumphing over ambition in no uncertain terms. This is enjoyable viewing, but not a film to go back to often. On the DVD: Le Maître de Musique is presented on disc in a 16:9 aspect ratio that reproduces decently, though with a certain dimness in indoor scenes. There are English-only subtitles, but not with the original trailer. The screen biography of Gerard Corbiau merely reproduces what is in the booklet, while the half-dozen stills are an attractive but hardly major addition. --Richard Whitehouse [show more]

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