Performance

Set in contemporary Manhattan, Performance tells the story of four musicians, bound together by their passion for music and a long, faithful collaboration. The celebrated string quartet struggles to stay together as they mark their 25th anniversary. When their dignified patriarch and cellist, Peter (Christopher Walken) is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it throws the future of the group into question. His attempt to find a replacement player and organise rehearsals for their upcoming concert bring up unresolved issues and grievances. Daniel (Mark Ivanir) is the first violin. Robert (Philip Seymour Hoffman) plays second violin, but longs to be the lead. Juliette (Catherine Keener) plays viola and is married to Robert, and steadfastly refused to consider the quartet without Peter. Alliances are forged, egos bruised and passions flare as the dysfunctional family of artists begin to implode. Can they pull together for one final great performance of Beethoven's Opus 131 at Carnegie Hall? Directed by Yaron Zilberman, Performance is a captivating meditation on ageing, creativity, sacrifice and artistic dedication, anchored by superb performances and a stirring classical score.