In his previous film, Leon (The Professional), also released in 1994," Gary Oldman makes several references to Beethoven.
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If you look closely at the stage during the premiere of the 9th symphony, you can see there are no timpani, no brass, very few woodwind, and around 20 strings. Not only would it be impossible to perform the 9th with no timpani and brass, but it is well documented that the contingent of strings at that premiere was at least 56, triple the normal number used and the number shown. See more...
In his previous film, Leon (The Professional), also released in 1994," Gary Oldman makes several references to Beethoven.
Beethoven never mentioned during his lifetime who was his "Immortal Beloved." The long-debated riddle of her identity was solved beyond reasonable doubt in 1977 by an American musicologist. The woman was identified as Antonie Brentano (1790-1869), the wife of a Frankfurt merchant and a mother of four.
Countess Erdody is shown to be playing the violin which is inaccurate as she never did, and a disability (which is also not shown) prevented this. She was however a very able pianist.
Gary Oldman turned down the lead role twice before finally accepting. Having already played three historical figures (Sid Vicious in Sid and Nancy, Joe Orton in Prick Up Your Ears, and Lee Harvey Oswald in JFK), he was afraid of becoming typecast as a biopic actor.
Gary Oldman's first line comes almost twenty minutes into the film.
Gary Oldman, when preparing for the role, asked the director what biographies on Beethoven he should read. The director told him that the only biography needed was Beethoven's music, since it reflected his soul and emotions the best.
This is from the bonus features on the DVD: Gary Oldman actually attempted to wear earplugs while playing piano as the deaf musician so as to simulate Beethoven's situation more closely.
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