Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould

Eccentric

It's a refreshing change of pace to see a classical musician afforded the kind of worship seen in Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould. François Girard and Don McKellar have assembled a strange tribute to legendary pianist Glenn Gould. The movie is not intended as a documentary, even though it contains interview footage with several friends, relatives, and colleagues. The film contains two lackluster animated interpretations of Gould performances, but this is not a concert film. It also does not function as a biopic, since it tunnels into the little characteristics that made him fascinating while almost completely obscuring the story of his life. The modest running time guarantees that all of the components really are short. These glimpses are still valuable, because they provide some insight into the world of Gould, a legendary recluse who stopped performing live and devoted his time to recordings. Colm Feore plays the title role magnificently, creating one of the most interesting characters on film. He portrays what looks like a formidable intelligence brewing beneath the surface of a fairly quiet man. The photography and set design often complement Feore's performance, creating a beautifully cohesive experience.