Watch Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould

"Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould" is a fascinating and insightful documentary that explores the life and genius of Canadian pianist and composer Glenn Gould. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews with family, friends, collaborators, and experts, as well as excerpts from Gould's works, this film offers a multifaceted portrait of one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.

The film traces Gould's life trajectory from his childhood in Toronto, where he began to play the piano at an early age, to his meteoric rise as a concert pianist in the 1950s and his eventual retreat from live performances in the 1960s. Along the way, we learn about Gould's idiosyncrasies, his obsessive dedication to his art, and his deep love of music, which permeated all aspects of his life.

One of the central themes of the film is Gould's relationship with his own perfectionism. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and his insistence on absolute control over his performances, Gould was both his own biggest critic and his own biggest fan. The film delves into this aspect of Gould's personality, tracing the roots of his perfectionism to his childhood experiences and exploring the ways in which it both fueled and hindered his creative output.

Another theme of the film is Gould's relationship with technology. Gould was an early adopter of recording technology, and he used it to push the boundaries of what was possible in music. The film explores the ways in which Gould's recordings revolutionized the classical music world and influenced generations of musicians. It also touches on Gould's fascination with other technological advancements, like the computer, and how he saw them as tools for expanding human creativity and intelligence.

The film also delves into Gould's personal life, particularly his relationships with women. Despite being openly gay, Gould had several close female companions throughout his life, including Cornelia Foss, who co-narrates the film. Their relationship, which was often misunderstood by the public, is portrayed as a deep friendship and mutual respect.

Throughout the film, we see Gould's artistry on full display, as snippets of his performances are interspersed with interviews and personal anecdotes. The film does an excellent job of contextualizing Gould's work within the larger cultural movements of the time, particularly the Cold War and the rise of the counterculture. It also highlights the ways in which Gould's work challenged and redefined the boundaries of classical music, and how his legacy continues to inspire musicians and audiences today.

Overall, "Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould" is a compelling and beautifully crafted documentary that offers a glimpse into the mind and genius of one of music's greatest icons. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in the intersection of music, technology, and human creativity.

Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 72.