The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes

As a huge fan of the Quay's last excursion into live action filmmaking ("Institute Benjamenta") I was thrilled at the chance to see another feature from such richly textured imaginations. "Piano Tuner of Earthquakes" actually exceeded my expectations and then some. It's one of the greatest works of cinema I've ever seen.The meanings inherent in this film come only partially through the plotline. Narrative in most commercial films is the most heavily weighted element (second behind star power). What we have here is a real work of art where every element is given loving attention. This is not a literal story, it is a symbolic dreamscape with sounds, textures, gestures, facial expressions, even down to the glint of light off a glass window giving a profound numinous charge.Many viewers will find this wealth of detail overwhelming without being led by the hand with the conscious contrivance of conventional storyline. But here, the Quay's have perhaps been too compromised. Their tale is a little too clear and dialogue and voice overs too concerned with romanticized story telling (but that's my taste; I realize the general public prefers an even more linear presentation). Still this concession to popular taste doesn't detract from the essential power of it's imagery, which is considerable.The sound design stands out as one of it's most imaginative features, as textured as the visuals. Very delicate and multi-leveled, there are some astonishing passages that rival any soundtrack I've ever heard. On the other hand there are a couple of themes that are too prominent (a Spanish-style melody played on electric guitar and a "Vertigo"-like love theme).All together this film distills the essences the Quay brothers have been exploring throughout their career and presents these essences in a glorious ripened form of an adult myth. There's a palpable sensual power here of longings and obsessions that build to a thick swelling of contradictory passions. These conflicted subterranean passions lead to the final earthquake, an upheaval where the opera theater and it's players collapse inward.This is NOT a film for everyone. The viewer must participate in deciphering; it's deeper meanings are not simply stated. It's a challenging experience and many will not want that in their film viewing. However, if you are intrigued by dreams and surreal imagery, you should definitely see this film, it stands among the greatest ever made!

The Quay brothers are probably best known for their work in pop music videos, and it is a bit ironic that their contribution to Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer is simultaneously their most-viewed endeavor and the one they themselves are least satisfied with. "The Piano Player of Earthquakes" is an avant-gard film of great sensitivity, creativity and innovation. Despite their mastery of computer and model-generated animation, they remain emotive artists fully-cognitive of the history of cinema, which expresses itself in everything from the props, the lighting, the stylized dialogue, the costumes, and the wonderful animation. The Quay brothers remain brilliant and at the top of their form.A word of warning: this is NOT a "Hollywood" film and the plot is not linear; at times the visual operates independent of the dialogue. I found this intriguing and engaged me to actively follow along using all of my senses. I turned off the little voice in my head that asked, "Why did he say that? Where is this going?" and enjoyed watching this film. If you always watch the bloated Hollywood type film you might not enjoy this work but then again, why not see something different? Why not expand your idea of what makes for brilliant cinema and see something which is unique? In "Piano Tuner of Earthquakes" there is a delicate balance between visual art, (excellent) acting, poetic dialogue and haunting, evocative music.The interview with the Quay brothers is a great bonus on this DVD. I learned a lot about the problems they faced and overcame in making this film, as well as insight into their individual contributions, which has puzzled me because they are of course identical twins and know each other so well -- completing each other's sentences. They are great artists who have fearlessly continued to make engaging filmic art. "The Piano Player of Earthquakes."

incredible movie

I purchased this because the synopsis was interesting to me, and even though I thought the imagery was beautiful and eerie, I felt like this fell a little flat.The plot seemed paper-thin to me. I watched it with my girlfriend and it was very hard to follow. The ending was strange and obscure, and we wound up 'not getting' most of the movie.I know that some reviews have said that there is a lot of symbolism in this film, but I still fail to see it. When I write, I use a lot of symbolism, and if there actually is some of this going on in the film, it was so bizarre that I completely overlooked it.The film left me a little bored overall, but I plan on giving it a second chance anyway. After all, I did purchase it.