IMDb 6.7 2006 HD

Copying Beethoven

Copying Beethoven

2006
Drama
104 min PG-13 USA
6.425 / 10
6.7 IMDB

A fictionalised exploration of Beethoven's life in his final days working on his Ninth Symphony. It is 1824. Beethoven is racing to finish his new symphony. However, it…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Agnieszka Holland / Kasia Adamik / Vera Janisch / Alex Oakley / Matthew Penry-Davey
Starring
Ed Harris / Diane Kruger / Matthew Goode / Phyllida Law / Ralph Riach / Bill Stewart / Angus Barnett / Viktoria Dihen

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

compelling powerful moving insightful dramatic fictionalised intense historical artistic challenging poignant well-acted

Reviews

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 5, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

In 'Copying Beethoven,' the grandeur of the Ninth Symphony serves as a powerful backdrop to the intimate drama of its creation. Ed Harris is compelling as the tormented genius, conveying the isolation and frustration of his deafness with…

A
Alistair Finch
May 5, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A truly captivating portrayal of artistic struggle and triumph, 'Copying Beethoven' shines due to its exceptional lead performances and sensitive direction. Ed Harris delivers a career-defining turn as Beethoven, capturing the composer's immense talent and profound despair with…

S
Sophia Chang
May 5, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

While 'Copying Beethoven' aims for dramatic depth, it occasionally falters under the weight of its own ambition. Ed Harris gives a committed performance as the iconic composer, but the narrative's reliance on the fictional Anna Holtz, played with…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 5, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This is a film that understands the visceral struggle of bringing monumental art into existence. 'Copying Beethoven' doesn't shy away from the messy, often painful process of composition. Ed Harris is electrifying as Beethoven, a force of nature…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 5, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Ed Harris anchors 'Copying Beethoven' with a performance that is both formidable and vulnerable. As the tempestuous maestro wrestling with his Ninth Symphony and encroaching deafness, Harris embodies the creative torment and human frailty of a legend. Diane…

FAQs

'Copying Beethoven' delves into several compelling themes, including the nature of genius, the sacrifices demanded by artistic creation, and the profound impact of isolation and physical challenges. It also explores the power of mentorship, the overcoming of prejudice (particularly regarding Anna's role as a woman in a male-dominated field), and the enduring human need for connection and understanding. The film ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.