The only reason for watching this biopic is to listen to Tchaikovsky's music. There are extended music videos set to the First Piano Concerto and the "1812" Overture. It could have used more of the composer's music. Instead we get embarrassing melodrama. Living down to his reputation, Russell wallows in tastelessness. While the events are based on known facts, the film includes such silly scenes as Mrs. Tchaikovsky having affairs with Rimsky-Korsakov and Borodin to make her husband jealous. Jackson is alluring but she's too good of an actress for such camp. Chamberlain plays Tchaikovsky as such a ninny that it's hard to believe he could have composed such magnificent music.
Review of The Music Lovers
