AROUND THE WORLD IN 50 CONCERTS (2015). Documentary.GAT
Toward the end of this film about Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the band's English bassist touchingly explains how he first heard a true melody played on the double bass, rather than a mere bass line, and was instantly converted to his instrument.
Apparently, this is a film about what classical music means to both players and listeners, but that theme is very slow to coalesce as director Heddy Honigmann follows the orchestra on its 125th anniversary tour from Buenos Aires to Amsterdam and Johannesburg to Saint Petersburg. Although only 95 minutes in length, the film feels similar to Frederick Wiseman's all-encompassing arts documentaries (such as National Gallery), as Honigmann observes many aspects of the travelling orchestra and occasionally wanders off after specific audience members.
Around the World is stuffed with charming moments, yet often feels disjointed or purposeless.
Kate Taylor