New Movie: "The Kreutzer Sonata"

[Michael]

Bernard Rose, who wrote and directed "Immortal Beloved" has a new movie out which is based on Tolstoy's novel which was "based" on Beethoven's violin sonata:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/...-sonata-review

[Peter]

It's amazing really how little Tolstoy's excellent story has to do with the Kreutzer sonata - I recall thinking when is he going to even mention it! Will check the film out and his 'The Death Of Ivan Ilych' - the best of Tolsoy's short stories.

[Preston]

Peter, I thought the novella was loosely based on Tolstoy's interpretation of the sonata?

[Peter]

Peter, I thought the novella was loosely based on Tolstoy's interpretation of the sonata?

I'd say it was more loosely based on his own marriage, but of course it didn't deteriorate as rapidly nor did he murder his wife!

Beethoven's 'Kreutzer sonata' presumably symbolised for Tolstoy all the turbulent passions that drive Pozdnyshev to kill his wife in a terrible jealous rage - the sonata is performed by his wife and her lover - the music has a 'terrible' effect on him.