French Dramedy ‘The Musicians’ Asks Can Music Rekindle Estranged Relationships?

French cinema provides enchanting entertainment on account of the unhurried pacing, relatable human dramas, picturesque locations and the elegant spoken language. The latest cinematic offering from France is a delightful dramedy called The Musicians which is directed by Grégory Magne, whose previous film Perfumes was a box office hit.

The story delves on a wealthy woman who assembles four renowned but egotistical musicians to form a quartet, playing rare Stradivarius instruments for a small church concert to honour her late father. The players clash for different reasons and when the rehearsals faulter she recruits the reclusive composer to get the musicians back on course.

One of the musicians complains that she’s playing the instrument of her dreams with people whom she cannot tolerate. The composer announces; “They don’t listen to one another – they won’t stop fighting!” A colleague retorts; “You’re a musical school undergraduate” and continues the insult by saying; “Start by playing the right notes!” They despise one another and these ill-feelings quickly escalate.

Compounding to the arising problematic dramas, one of the musicians storms off and more notably the composer struggles with his own composition. And just when audiences believe there couldn’t possibly be any further setbacks, there’s another, which truly threatens the concert from being cancelled.

But with only seven days until this one-off performance, can these musicians put their differences aside and solely concentrate on the rehearsals?  With all these conflicts will the concert proceed?

This film highlights the laborious challenge of putting a small yet significant concert on stage – the grind of rehearsals, conflicting visions and also the ludicrous and nonsensical prices paid at auction houses for these valuable instruments.

Beautifully filmed in the Champagne region of France, the film showcases a well-balanced ensemble of French actors who share a real chemistry on screen. The actors portraying the quartet are real musicians, which offers the narrative a rare sense of authenticity. Valérie Donzelli and Frédéric Pierrot lead the stellar supporting cast, who collectively engage audiences in this warm and sensitive story concerning human connection and the importance of putting egos aside for a harmonious collaboration.

The Musicians is a dramedy; however, drama vastly overrides the comedic elements which at best would be described as mildly humorous, with more heart and soul than laughter.

Two violins, a viola and the main piece cello which is the San Domenico cello purchased at auction in the film, are played by the quartet. As the performers unify in their relationships, the music synchronizes creating soft and soothing classical music, leading to a spellbinding and harmonious finale.

***1/2

In Cinemas June 18