The Piano Teacher (La pianiste) (2001)

The story is set in Vienna and all the signage is logically in German. So why is everyone speaking French? Even the TV shows are in French. Doesn't make any sense at all. Indeed much of the movie doesn't make sense. Incredibly bitchy woman lives with her dragon mother and has weird sexual yearnings that are at odds with her character. Maybe that's the point, but it's still very strange.

An aweful movie !

Well, it seemed 'good' at first, but the characters were pretty wooden, didn't really seem to have this mad attraction, and the story wasn't really all that interesting, was it.

Could not finish this film. It is whacked. Some of the sex scenes are disturbing and the hole film made me uneasy. Did not enjoy anything in this film and never finished it.

Not really. Not credible, not satisfying and not even erotic. Disjointed psychological pieces that the director attempted to fit together but just made a bit of a mess. Does good acting redeem this film - not really.

I didn't like the fact the movie was dubbed with English. I didn't know it was in French. The movie was a bit disjointed I didn't really like the movie.

I became increasingly frustrated with the lead character's actions, she is so cruel and devoid of any redeeming features - It made it hard for me to like this film in the end. Not a big fan of Haneke anyway so I guess I got what I expected.

Not for me. I am a big fan of European movies. Personally I did not "get" this movie.. I was disappointed.

This movie was wonderful at the beginning, but it was as if the writer was rushed at the end, or confused the characters or...something. It just didn't make sense to me that the characters would behave the way they did in the second half of the film considering the first half of the film. It just seemed confused and mixed up. Had huge promise, but was pretty disappointing by the credit roll.

Excellent film. So good to see an exploration of the dark side of a character. isabelle is a great actress.

While not as violent as other films in Michael Haneke's resume, The Piano Teacher is a confronting tale of loneliness, control and sexual power. Isabelle Huppert is absolutely amazing as the stifled and sexually insecure Erika. If you are interested in European cinema do not miss this.

Why? I see the subject exploration given in this film as disturbing and simply a waste of tape... It's not realism, it's negative crap.

Powerful acting in this film about a woman who needs are very strange. (Self-mutilation, anyone?)Would have given more stars if the ending had have been more satisfying.

Not for everyone. If you are looking to be entertained, look elsewhere. If you want to observe the behaviour of a repressed and tortured soul, then this is for you.

A stunning movie; Isabelle Huppert's performance quite mesmerizing. We all have our fantasies, some we wouldn't admit to. Michael Haneke lays bare those of the piano teacher with such delicacy and insight that we cannot help being greatly moved and even alarmed by her predicament as events unfold.

A sensational performance by Isabelle Huppert.challenging and thought provoking with a beautiful soundtrack by schubert.

While it takes a lot to shock me, this almost did, good performaces all round, the storyline and exteme sexual references were a little too much, the music was great though, proceed with caution.

A bit pretentious but some great Piano. Better elsewhere...

If you like reaching into the depths of human misery, depravity and degradation, and want to enjoy good music while you are on the job, then this is the movie for you.

You only need to browse the internet a little to realize that human sexual behaviour is many and varied. This film deals with some of it through the person of a slightly tormented musician. I found the film totally absorbing and unpredictable. I would give it five stars if I wasn't so stingy!

Isabelle Huppert and Annie Girardot are marvellours in this story of neurotic, control freak females, of repressed and exploding sexuality and fear of loss. Excellent!

Cetainly well acted. Is thought provoking and different.

Thought provoking and clever: a French production set in Vienna. Not light entertainment. The depiction of sexual repression mixed with sexual perversion was indulgent/unbelievable. Actors were convincing enough in their gross unhapiness although cute blonde male lead gives some respite for the weary viewer.

A frightfull journey, witnessing the downwood spiral of a troubled soul

Just do not bother.

A stark and interesting exploration of obsession and sado-masochism. Superb acting and character development.

Very disappointed.

Brilliant - absolutely brilliant! This film will challenge you and surprise you and make you feel squeemish, and fill your head with questions. The best film I've seen all year.

Wow! This is the best piece of cinema I have seen for years - and I watch a lot of film. This film takes you places where you are not expecting to go and it makes you squirm. If you watch film for vague entertainment - steer clear. If you are intelligent enough to appreciate film that challenges you to question your values and perspectives then this movie is a masterpiece and you will love it. Especially for anyone interested in gender studies. I can't speak highly enough of it. I watched it twice and then once with the director's commentary. Great performances by very gifted actors, clever cinematography and sound. It's completely left field, refreshing and brilliant.

The music, escpecially the Schubert, was great! But this movie was not for me! There were sexual aspects depicted that revolted / disgusted me, e.g. self mutilation, violence. How the censors classified it with an R18 rating mystifies me.