Review of A Late Quartet (2012) by Jim H — 26 Jun 2013

A quartet's leader falls ill as marital strife hits two other members.

Essentially an acting master class, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, and Christopher Walken all turn in remarkable performances that should be the model for any young actor. Walken, especially, in his later years continues to show a sensitive, emotional side.

However, the film is poorly paced. Particularly, after a comic scene in which the stoic, severe Daniel is forced to gather his clothes and slip out the fire escape, we get another tear-ridden scene filled with pop psychology and emotional effusions. What is more, the character look like they've been crying or are about to cry is almost every scene.

Overall, though I like the work by the actors, I think a skilled director could have turned this into a truly fine film.