Astrid finally succeeds in fulfilling her father's dream: to bring together four Stradivarius for a unique concert. But Lise, George, Peter and Apolline, the four virtuosos recruited for the occasion, are incapable of playing together. The rehearsals are one ego crisis after another. With no solution in sight, Astrid decides to go and find the only person who, in
her eyes, can still save the event: Charlie Beaumont, the composer of the score.
With just six days to prepare, four musicians holding legendary Stradivarius instruments come together to create a perfect string quartet for a one-time performance. Yet one character asserts: “A perfect quartet isn’t made just because four star players come together.”
This year’s opening film, The Musicians, is the latest work by French director Grégory Magne. It’s a lively yet poignant comedy about the dissonant journey of musicians assembled under the name of excellence. Magne first impressed Korean audiences 12 years ago at the 9th Jecheon International Music & Film Festival with his debut film L’Air de Rien, and now returns with this new work, depicting human flaws hidden behind the artist’s title: estranged former lovers, someone trying to flee, and even a composer who despises his own piece. Time ticks away as the concert approaches, with subtitles like 'J-6' and 'J-3' building tension like a countdown to execution. The immersive experience is heightened by the live performances of three real musicians and an actor skilled with an instrument.
The original score is by Grégoire Hetzel, one of France’s leading film composers, known for his work with Louis Garrel, Arnaud Desplechin, and Denis Villeneuve. His music deepens the narrative and sharpens the hidden emotions in each scene. (Jin. Cho)
