DVD Review: Pianist, The (A)

The Pianist (2002)
Directed by Roman Polanski
Starring Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay and Maureen Lipman
MPAA: R
Grade: A

Review by Scott Standish

The Pianist is an amazing tale based on the life of polish pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman. Brilliantly brought to the screen by legendary director Roman Polanski, this is a wonderful achievement across the board.

Adrien Brody plays the incredible pianist who witnessed the Nazi takeover of Warsaw. His family was systematically pushed, persecuted and finally shipped off to concentration camps as he bravely did his best to elude capture from the SS. Brody is phenomenal in bringing this person to life on the screen and was justly awarded a Best Actor Academy Award for his work.

Roman Polanski is certainly one of the greatest directors of all time and this film cements his reputation in that regard. Polanski takes his time to slowly build tension throughout the film and he is not afraid to emphasize the dual nature of several key characters. Beautiful art direction, lighting and camerawork bring the elegantly composed masterwork The Pianist to the screen. This film is truly a treasure.

The Pianist is highly recommended. Winner of the Best Director, Best Actor and Best Screenplay Academy Awards, The Pianist is about as good as it gets.

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