Mademoiselle Paradis
CAST: Maria Dragus, Devid Striesow, Lukas Miko DIRECTOR: Barbara Albert TUESDAY FILM SERIES
Vienna, 1777. Maria Theresia ("Resi") Paradis, 18 years old, is blind, and a pianist of remarkable talent. Resi lost her eyesight literally overnight when she was three. After countless failed medical experiments, her overprotective parents seek out a controversial "miracle doctor," Franz Anton Mesmer, as their last hope for a cure. For Dr. Mesmer, the chance to successfully treat the young girl could lead to fame and fortune. Resi moves into the estate of the doctor and his wife, where in the company of other patients she tastes personal freedom for the first time. And Mesmer's treatments seem to have almost immediate success. However, Resi soon notices that as her sight is beginning to return, her musical virtuosity is declining. She becomes aware that being part of society as a seeing person comes at too high a price if it can mean the loss of her inner world of music.
An inquisitive, curious and gorgeously accoutered period piece about science, the senses and the position of women in Mozart-era Austria.Boyd van Hoeij, Hollywood Reporter
Director Barbara Albert fashions a remarkable image of blindness and healing, of cruelty and of compassion.Kate Taylor, Globe and Mail
An exquisitely crafted period drama telling the true story of blind musician Maria Theresia von Paradis and pioneering physician Dr Franz Mesmer.Allan Hunter, Screen International