Performance

"As a cultural philistine I needed a push to watch a film about classical musicians. But once lured in by a solid cast that includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Christopher Walken and Catherine Keener I found Performance to be impressive, superior drama. The film’s leads are good across the board, most notably Walken as cellist Peter Mitchell, recently diagnosed with career-blighting Parkinson’s Disease."

"A skillfully performed drama that treats the varieties of musical expression as an effective if unsubtle metaphor for a person's many possible pathways through life."

"A challenging and thought provoking film, its greatest assets being its four outstanding performances."

"The leads make sweet music in an affecting four-piece that, if not note perfect, plays well to their individual strengths."

"It would be shortsighted to dismiss this deeply felt, musically savvy film, set in a refined cultural precinct of Manhattan, as sudsy melodrama."

"A movie with clarity and grownup complexity."

"Does one of the most interesting things any film can do. It shows how skilled professionals work."

"Zilberman's minimalistic approach fits the idea of the film better than it fits the actual film."

"Wants to be Bergman, ends up more like a burgundy-hued Sunset Beach."

"Strong performances mark a mildly involving tale."

"Measured performances from the seasoned cast balance out a script that errs towards the melodramatic."

"Zilberman is breaking no new ground, but he gives his actors strong material and room to breathe."