MovieChat Forums > The Competition (1980) Discussion > Paul scoffing at conductor

Paul scoffing at conductor

posted 15 years ago by ccguy
5 replies | jump to latest

I think it's pretty apparent that Erskine, the conductor, is kinda loosely based on Leonard Bernstein, at least in terms of looks and flamboyance. I noticed this exchange when I saw the movie again recently.

After Tatjana's teacher defects, Erskine tells the other five finalists of the competition delay. Paul throws a fit, and Erskine tells him that he understands the pressures of competing because, "I was a pianist myself." When he hears that, Paul lets out a sort of condescending laugh.

Anyone think that laugh was a dig at Erskine (and Bernstein) for daring to consider himself a pianist on par with Paul's talent? Bernstein was a pianist as well, but he was also a conductor, composer and teacher. Bernstein did all of those things exceptionally well, but he wasn't considered one of the greats -- guys like Van Cliburn and Emil Gilels had nothing to fear from Bernstein's piano prowess.

I think such a sentiment toward Erskine would fit well with Paul's arrogance. What do you think?

[–] jporter-6 15 years ago

Paul is a putz. The fact that he's apparently not been a great pianist before, and the fact that Heidi, a relative newcomer, is making him sweat, demonstrates that Paul may not have the great talent he thinks he has. Thanks for the opportunity to say that. I've always wanted to. I don't think it has anything to do with your question.

[–] jporter-6 13 years ago

Your reply seems to have a great deal to do with the question because, the bottom line is, Paul IS a Putz. And he does take a swipe at the conductor, Erskine, with his condescension.

And I personally think that Heidi is a better pianist. She's certainly a better human being, though some would question her contemplating allowing Dietrich to win simply so he won't end up giving children piano lessons and working at McDonald's.

At my alma mater, the joke that made it's way through the music department is that our music graduates were taught two things: excellence in performance, and one saying: "Would you like fries with that?" (The latter just in case your performance wasn't so excellent.)

[–] jakob3 13 years ago

But Dietrich was a pretty good conductor in one scene.

[–] Ozymandias-King-of-Kings 12 years ago

I think we're being a little unfair to Paul here. There's no doubt he's a putz, but at this point he knows this is his *last* shot to prove himself - he has everything to lose. His natural putzishness is on overdrive.

I think the movie also implies - more than a little - that he is as talented as Heidi, but that he's had to do everything himself. Remember that Heidi comes from real money, and has received the best teaching it's possible to get from an early age. That's another reason she can easily afford to be kinder and less selfish than Paul; she has time - lots of it, and she has support (financial and educational) - lots of it. Imagine where Paul would have been with that kind of assistance from an early age. I think that's one of the themes of the film - class. When Paul is stewing at the end, aware that he's lost after being pipped by Heidi, he seems angry not just at losing, but because he's coming to terms with the fact that he never really had the chance - not just in the competition - but in that life generally. Paul's appearance at the end isn't just him accepting her win, but accepting that the privilege she enjoys isn't something he can keep resenting her for, because she isn't to blame for it, nor is she to blame for the fact that he *doesn't* have those privileges.

[–] jakob3 12 years ago

Paul's performance may have slipped in the years leading up to the movie,
due to the pressure he felt making him more driven & rigid.

Paul really let himself go, after doubling down on his last shot (after it was postponed, thereby renouncing his crummy job opportunity). That, & Heidi, seemed to liberate Paul. Heidi won because of her audacity in switching concerti mid-stream.