Romancefest 2015: The Piano

That's right, it's THE PIANO, another movie I kinda/sorta saw when I was 13 but now I'm watching again as if it was the first time! Another female-directed entry into Romancefest, this one comes to us by way of Jane Campion and New Zealand.

Holly Hunter stars as a mute widow who travels to the wilds of New Zealand with her young daughter (Anna Paquin) when she's married off to a cold and distant frontiersman (Sam Neill). The only thing Hunter loves that brings her comfort is her piano, which makes the journey but is abandoned on the beach rather than lugged through the jungle to Neill's small cabin.

Neill's friend and local rugged individualist (Harvey Keitel) hatches a plan to trade land for the piano when he realizes how much it means to Hunter – once he possesses the piano, he might possess her, as well. And so he does, as he trades her time at the piano for a chance to watch her, touch her, and eventually, sleep with her.

Of course, this tenuous arrangement has its problem. For one thing, Keitel and Hunter start to fall in love with each other. For another, Paquin starts to get restless during the piano sessions. And finally, Neill starts smelling a rat.

This is an intriguing premise and not the kind of thing you see a lot in mainstream movies – the somewhat sordid relationship between Keitel and Hunter evolves from somewhat abusive (if mutually beneficial) to eventually become something both parties want, and the closer the two characters get, the more Neill loses his grip.

Neill has probably the most thankless part here as the stuffy, unsatisfying (and unsatisfied) husband. He tries to be a nice guy, but he's simply not cut out to deal with a strong woman like Hunter. Still, he acts his ass off. Most probably remember the movie for Hunter and Paquin's performances, and rightfully so, but Neill's an unsung hero, here.

A little less effective is Keitel – he gives the role his all, but he may have been miscast. Well, it's not his fault. I still love him.