A Última Nota

In music a CODA is a passage that brings a piece (or a movement) to an end. It is a fitting title for a movie of a world-famous pianist approaching his 80s and sensing that he is just right near the end of his career. He doesn't seem to want to fight the idea but those around him, especially his manager, keeps encouraging him to schedule concerts.

Patrick Stewart is the world-famous pianist, Sir Henry Cole, but in casual situations he prefers just 'Henry.' After the death of his wife he pretty much went into seclusion but now he is attempting to resume a normal concert schedule. He still plays marvelously but he has a difficult time, he starts to doubt himself.

A key figure in restoring his confidence and mental health is a young musician who had met him 15 years earlier during a master class at Julliard. She is Helen Morrison played by Katie Holmes, now a writer. Even though he is almost 40 years older they form a bond, she energizes him. At one point she asks "What do you have against younger women?"

Why do famous musicians keep performing to audiences? Is it because they need the money? Or because their self-worth is tied to the acclaim they receive? This is an element of the story.

This movie moves deliberately with great piano music in the soundtrack and beautiful cinematography, including Sils in Engadin, Switzerland. It is a character study and a fine one. Patrick Stewart is in fine form, as are Katie Holmes and also Giancarlo Esposito as the manager.

I watched it at home, streaming on Amazon Prime.