Coda: Life with Music

Synopsis

Henry Cole is an acclaimed pianist who returns to the stage after a prolonged hiatus. During his inaugural concert, he is afflicted with a severe case of stage fright and barely avoids disaster. In the following days, his condition worsens, he becomes more and more unstable and his career is hanging by a thread. Bewildered and ready to pack it in, he meets Helen Morrison, a former pianist turned music critic, who wants to write an article on him. She asks for an interview. A reserved and austere man, Henry declines. Helen persists and eventually gains his trust. A peculiar relationship develops between the two, based on love of music and a shared sensibility. Henry feels fortified and wants to resume his concert tour. Helen worries that this renewed confidence is only superficial. She suggests a trip, to attend a concert in a remote place, Sils-Maria in the Swiss Alps. In a time of personal crisis, she once found her answer there. Perhaps he can now find his. (dossier de presse)

Le célèbre pianiste Henry Cole s'est retiré longuement de la sphère publique. Son retour à la musique ne se déroule pas sans difficulté. Lors d'un concert, il est frappé d'un trac. Puis sa condition psychologique ne cesse de se dégrader. Peut-être que Helen Morrison pourra l'aider. Cette ex-pianiste devenue journaliste souhaite écrire un portait d'Henry pour le New Yorker. Le pianiste est récalcitrant, se laissant toutefois amadouer au fil de leurs rencontres. Cette présence lui fait du bien, déliant les noeuds du passé, le poussant à aller se ressourcer dans la nature suisse, à Sils-Maria en Haute-Engadine. (Cinoche.com)