Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould

There’s a fantastic documentary about piano great Glenn Gould currently streaming on Hulu that I highly recommend any of you music aficionados out there check out. And, actually, anyone else who enjoys a good ole’ documentary every now and then.

The film focuses on the life of the brilliant, mad, curious and immensely intriguing pianist Glenn Gould. Most musicians know that Gould was famous for his exceptional playing of Bach. Friends and colleagues in the film admit that no one had ever played Bach the way Gould did--he brought something music had never seen before.

When he was young, Gould’s unbelievable talent and character turned him into a celebrity of the times (circa 50s/60s). Even landing him in renowned fashion magazine Vogue. Ah, to live in a world before Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

Using old footage and interview clips throughout the film, we see that Gould was just as much a personality as he was a pianist. He was playful, humorous, intense and, I found, quite self-assured. (Though, to be fair, if I were lauded as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, I’d be pretty self-assured as well.) It’s highly debated whether Gould enjoyed this fame or shunned away from it, but I gather it’s a bit of both. Either way, interesting to observe his behavior in the film and make your own conclusions.

As the film progresses, we see that Gould became quite compulsive and--many would argue--neurotic. Overall, the film shows a fascinating transition from a young, brilliant, charismatic and eccentric, player to a somewhat muddled and misunderstood genius.

Be sure to check it out during your next movie night:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/380748

And if you do end up watching, be sure to stop by and meet our piano teacher Colin. He oddly looks like Gould and plays the piano. Coincidence???