MovieChat Forums > Immortal Beloved (1995) Discussion > Most haunting image (other than the Ode ...

Most haunting image (other than the Ode To Joy one) spoiler

posted 8 years ago by BenignPillows
2 replies | jump to latest

After Johanna has read the letter, when Schindler is leaving the house, and we see her through the window, from a distance, crying.

So far we have only seen Johanna very controlled, probably out of necessity. She was always being attacked and had to be ready to defend herself. Not let any vulnerability show.

Now she finally breaks down, but it's after Schindler has gone - maybe she still doesn't allow people to see her feelings?
The camera never zooms in on her either, the shot is sort of relegated to the background. This and the lack of sound actually made it more moving to me. I wasn't hit over the head with it; I didn't feel emotionally manipulated.

A discreetly heartbreaking image that stayed with me.

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"The best fairytale is one where you believe the people" -Irvin Kershner

[–] fountainhead (318) 7 years ago

Yes! Even before reading your post, I had this scene in mind as the answer to your subject. It was such a sad and beautiful image at the same time. It reminded me of a Dutch still life painting the way the window perfectly framed Johanna. I never cry during films but this image brought me on the verge of tears because of how carefully it was set up.

Just as you described, Johanna was always guarded and although we're made to question why Beethoven was being so mean to her, she still seemed to be meant as an annoyance to the audience. So in that moment when it's revealed that Beethoven loved her and that their animosity towards each other was just a star-crossed misunderstanding, you can feel the pain in Johanna's wailing - grieving for a love that could have been.

It's a heartbreaking moment, but, like you, I admire how subtly it was presented to the audience, respecting us enough to allow us to fill in her silent crying with our own emotions.

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 6 years ago

Yes I agree. I just saw this film tonight.

😎