Shine Review
by Walter Frith (WFrith1680 AT aol DOT com)December 30th, 1996
SHINE
A film review by Walter Frith
Copyright 1996 Walter Frith
I admire the way foreign films manage to tell a story without standard Hollywood trappings. This is a good thing most of the time but in the case of 'Shine' the emotional impact needed to sustain a film of family, genius, insanity and redemption is missing. Based on a true story, the Australian made 'Shine' is the story of a musical pianist/genius (Geoffrey Rush) driven to the brink of insanity through the pressure of obtaining success and the break-up he has with his family after turning against his father's wishes to leave home in Perth, Australia to pursue his studies in London, England. Given the fact that most psychological studies have concluded that genius is often associated with insanity is a factor as well. His father (Armin Mueller-Stahl) disowns him but the emotional bond between them remains. The film opens on a rainy evening in the present day and Rush's character is approaching 50 and the movie is then told in flashback from his days as a boy growing up in Australia and becoming a legend at 14 with his gift of tickling the ivories. I wasn't moved by this picture the way I thought I would be and 'Shine' doesn't have a lot to offer the average movie goer as it is a film better suited to film buffs rather than for general audiences. It's art must be appreciated and I suppose the film's admirable qualities depend on your point of view and for a look at the life of a musician with emotion and Hollywood running rampant you can look at 1995's 'Mr. Holland's Opus,' a film many considered overly sentimental but a balance is not struck with 'Shine' as it is just the opposite and my preference is the former. Judge for yourself. Other notable members of the cast are Noah Taylor, Lynn Redgrave and Sir John Gielgud.
OUT OF 5> * * * 1/2
Coming Soon: Reviews of 'Secrets and Lies,' 'The People vs. Larry Flynt,' 'Michael' and 'Evening Star.' "SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES."
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