I’ve seen Shine, I’ve seen Amadeus and a score of other films about troubled musicians. Most recently however, I ventured forth into the foreign film section to see a Swiss take on growing up a genius. A 2006 film by Fredi M. Murer, Vitus looks at the pre-pubescent years of Vitus, an incredibly smart and highly talented piano player. Though it seems great to be smarter than all your classmates and the teacher, Vitus’ arrogance and the short rope he’s on with his mom make life not so sweet. The only way for the precocious young boy to escape the trap of his own intelligence is by letting go of what he loves most.
There’s something highly unique about this film though it portrays what many films have portrayed in past. Vitus’ suffering doesn’t land him in a mental hospital, nor is there some disproportionately tragic event that determines the fate of the movie. The story is highly realistic in its simplicity and the contrast between his tense relationship with his parents and with his relationship with his quiet grandfather is something you can relate to: 4/5.
