This sumptuous and moving 1994 film written and directed by Bernard Rose (Candyman) investigates the artistic and romantic passions of one of the greatest composers of all time. Featuring a superb performance by Gary Oldman (Sid and Nancy) as Ludwig van Beethoven; Immortal Beloved is full of uncommonly vivid; rich imagery as it charts the tumultuous life of the deaf child prodigy and his rise to the height of musical achievement. Along the way; he attempts to play mentor to his nephew; attend to his many passionate romances--the most stable one was with a countess (Isabella Rossellini)--and fight bouts of depression and madness that ruled his life and his art. The film is framed around a "Rosebud"-type letter found after the composer's death that makes up the crux of the story. Jeroen Krabb? (The Fugitive); playing Beethoven's lifelong friend; attempts to discover who Beethoven's muse really was; becoming as driven as his friend in discovering the unlikely identity of the composer's "immortal beloved." Through this we gain an insight into the nature of obsession; romance; and the heights and sacrifices of artistic achievement. The film exhibits some extraordinary sound design; and the finale features a magical encapsulation of Beethoven's life and loves set to his "Ode to Joy." As an exciting and passionate journey; Immortal Beloved is its own masterpiece. --Robert Lane