The Legend of 1900
"The Legend of 1900" by Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore is a film adaptation inspired by Novecento, a monologue by Alessandro Baricco. Released in 1998, the film rests largely on the shoulders of British actor Tim Roth, who gives a masterful performance as "1900", whose mysterious aura captivates us from start to finish. This deeply moving character, with his heightened sensitivity, transports us into a world that is uniquely his own. Born at sea on board the Virginian, young 1900 is taken in by Danny, one of the liner's machinists, who adopts him and raises him as his own son. When Danny died, the young boy was left alone with the rest of the crew. He grew up on the ship and soon revealed an obvious predisposition for the piano. The years went by and 1900 became a world-renowned pianist, but despite his success and the many opportunities open to him, he refused to leave the ship on which he was born. And even if the Virginian is condemned to certain death, 1900 will stay on board whatever the cost... Ennio Morricone, who has composed all the music for Tornatore's films since Cinema Paradiso, has produced a sumptuous soundtrack that won him the Golden Globe for Best Film Score in 1999. The song "Playing Love" undoubtedly illustrates one of the most moving scenes in this superb film.
