Immortal Melodies: A bit too much Strauss, not enough bite

Is it worth your time?

Honestly, only if you have a very specific craving for 1930s European musical dramas that feel like they were stitched together in a hurry. If you want a tight, punchy narrative, stay far away. But if you’re the type of person who likes watching older men make questionable romantic decisions while a violin plays in the background, you might find something to latch onto.

It’s a bit of a slog. The pacing drags in places where it should be soaring, and the whole thing feels like it’s trying to convince you that Strauss was a tortured genius when he mostly just seems like a guy who doesn't know how to be alone.

The vibe

There’s a scene early on where he’s just staring out a window looking moody. It lasts forever. I actually checked my watch, and I’m pretty sure the camera didn't blink for a full thirty seconds. It felt like the director was hoping we’d find it profound, but I mostly just wondered if the actor was bored.

The operetta star shows up, and the energy shifts from 'sad guy in a room' to 'over-the-top stage drama.' It’s jarring. The transition feels less like a movie and more like two different films accidentally got taped together in the editing room. 🎥

Specifics that stuck

• The costumes are surprisingly sharp, even if the characters wearing them are kind of exhausting.
• Every time the music starts, the acting seems to get slightly worse. Like they forgot how to be human the second the orchestra kicked in.
• The supporting cast has these weird, frantic expressions, as if they know the script is light on actual substance.

It’s not as interesting as A Blonde Dream, which at least had the decency to commit to its own silliness. Here, everything feels like it’s being played with a straight face, which makes the plot points about the 'Fatherland' and the operetta star’s return feel a bit… odd, to put it mildly.

There’s this moment where Strauss talks about his music like it’s a living, breathing thing. You can almost feel the movie trying to force a deep connection that just isn't there. It’s like watching someone try to convince you their soup is seasoned when you can clearly see the salt shaker is empty.

I left the screen feeling like I’d just attended a party where I didn't know anyone and the host spent the whole night talking about his ex-wife. It’s not necessarily a bad time, but it’s definitely one of those movies you watch once and never think about again. 🎻

If you're looking for something with a bit more grit, this isn't it. But hey, the music is fine. Just don't expect it to change your life.