Vitus

Vitus.  Directed by Fredi M. Murer.  Ocean Films (France), 2006. 100 Minutes.

Genre:  Drama, Family
Rating: PG 

Language:  In Swiss, German, and English with English subtitles

At six Vitus was deemed a “wonderchild” for having an exceptionally high IQ and an ability to play piano concertos flawlessly.  At twelve he attends high school, yet is ostracized by both teachers and classmates because of his age, intelligence, and wit.  Vitus yearns for a life of his own and not the ones his parents have fabricated for him.  Then, an encounter with a world renowned pianist ironically presents Vitus with the opportunity to begin living according to his own plans- which are, shall I say, absolute genious!

Discussion:

·         Vitus has a natural talent for playing the piano, what’s yours?

·         In order to stand up to his mother, Vitus sabotages her plan to make him a pupil of a renowned pianist.  Do you think he could have done something else to express how he felt about being pressured into doing something that he was not ready to do?  What would you have done?

·         Vitus’ only ally is his grandfather, a humble woodworker with a passion for flight, and he understands his grandson like nobody else.  Is there a person in your life who you talk to and always supports you?  Are you that person for somebody else?

If you want to watch a movie about someone who was a true boy prodigy, try Amadeus, about famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 

Amadeus.  Directed by Milos Forman.  Warner Brothers, 1984.  2 hours, 38 minutes.  Rated PG.

Or for a comedy, check out School of Rock. 
School of Rock.  Directed by Richard Linklater.  Paramount, 2003.  108 Minutes.  Rated PG-13.

Also, if you love classical music, there are many albums floating around there, but one of my (Colleen’s!) favorites is an album Rondo alla Turka by William Kanengiser, who plays the work of Mozart and other composers on guitar.

Activity idea:  Doesn’t this film just inspire you to make some noise of your own?  Get your friends together for a movie night and jam session, and be sure to have plenty of Swiss chocolate on hand!  Play Guitar Hero or Rock Band, perform your own music, or compose your own little ditties using computer software.  Need more inspiration?  Head to your well-stocked library to explore their audio collection and books on how to read, write, and create music.

Let your fingers do the talking, and leave a reply below for what you think about Vitus!

Trailer from Youtube

Amadeus art from Rotton Tomatoes

School of Rock art from Internet Movie Database