Beautiful movie - weak final reel

Rating: Null/10 (17 February 2001)

Girard and McKellar have crafted a fascinating story, served with all the trimmings. As one who has a weakness for movies that milk beautiful environs for all their worth, I was often awed by this one. Furthermore, Corigliano's score deserves top billing - as the voice of the violin, it's actually the star of the film.
Unfortunately, once the violin makes its way to Montreal, things slow down dramatically. Furthermore, Samuel L. Jackson is woefully miscast. One wonders if the producers thought Mr. Jackson's "Pulp Fiction" cool factor would attract a younger audience (and thus sell more tickets).
Still, I highly recommend "Red Violin," and must also highly recommend "Topsy Turvy" for another approach to the musical creative process.