After seeing Quevenzhané Wallis at the Oscars this year, I was curious to finally see the film that won another young actress an Oscar. Anna Paquin became the second youngest Oscar winner for her performance in this film (see her adorable acceptance speech here) and it was well earned.
A mute woman (Holly Hunter) and her young daughter (Anna Paquin) are sent to New Zealand for an arranged marriage. Also along is the woman's beloved piano, which serves as her voice, in a way. Her marriage ends up being completely devoid of any affection on her part and her new husband sells her piano to his friend and neighbor. She learns she can earn the piano back by giving the neighbor lessons...but there are a few more conditions she didn't anticipate.
In addition to Hunter and Paquin's outstanding performances, two things stood out to me while watching this film, the first being the music. The music she plays on her piano isn't classically pretty. It's moody, it's dissonant, it communicates her innermost feelings and frustrations, and it's perfect for her character. The second thing was the photography. So many of the shots in this film are eerie and beautiful. A mother and daughter, dressed all in black, on a gloomy beach with all of their possessions in the world. The woman with her back to us, on her knees in the mud in utter despair. And the last shot, which I won't spoil, is one of the most hauntingly gorgeous shots I've ever seen.
As of this writing, The Piano is streamable on Netflix so I suggest you get some music in your life! Enjoy.
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