There is a
magnificently unexpected moment within Seymour:
An Introduction, from which the tagline of the film was born. Filmmaker
Ethan Hawke is having a conversation with legendary pianist Seymour Bernstein
about the struggles of striving to live life “more beautifully.” Bernstein
questions whether Hawke can achieve this through his career in film, a question
which leaves the actor tongue-tied. If a life dedicated to the arts is not
about commercial or financial success, what is the ultimate goal? These are the
questions investigated in Seymour: An
Introduction, a film chronicling one man’s decision to leave behind fame
and wealth for a modest life teaching his art form as way to “play life more
beautifully.”
Hawke’s title (borrowed from the title of a
J.D. Salinger novella) is fittingly descriptive, as Seymour: An Introduction works as a wonderful portrait of an artist
for those unfamiliar with his work. But it is much more than just a documentary
about Seymour Bernstein’s life and career; at the center of the film is a much
larger discussion about the struggle for personal gratification within the art
form. Despite a fairly typical documentary approach to the material, the depth
of discussions about creativity within the film is on-par with the thoughtfully
constructed dialogue of Louis Malle’s My
Dinner With Andre. Even more effective is the contagious nature of
Bernstein’s passion within the discussion. Listening to him speak may not
inspire all who watch the film to become musicians, though his connections
between humanity and creativity makes valid argument for the artist in all of
us.
Amidst these
many scenes of thoughtful discussion is a brief biography of the man behind the
film’s ideas. This includes many of the expected tropes of biography
documentaries, from the historical photographs to various stories of the past.
The major difference between this film and many other documentations of an
artist’s life is Hawke’s willingness to allow Bernstein to be the primary voice
in his own storytelling. At times this can feel like a one-man show, though
this is no different than the moments he is alone at the piano. The film is
book-ended by a live performance from Bernstein, which was his first in many
years after he gave up the pursuit for success in favor of a personally
gratifying career as a music teacher. Bernstein’s full concert is also included
in the extras of the DVD, along with the film’s trailer.
Entertainment Value:
7.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8.5/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
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