When you see The Piano Teacher in a movie theater you get a chance to go back in time, back to the days when French movies were titillating, provocative and kind of smart.
80
The New York TimesStephen Holden
The New York TimesStephen Holden
Has the feel of a clinical case study elevated into a subject of aesthetic and philosophical discourse.
80
New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter Rainer
New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter Rainer
Haneke is an exploitation filmmaker of the highest gifts. His movies are not to be entered into lightly.
80
New Times (L.A.)Jean Oppenheimer
New Times (L.A.)Jean Oppenheimer
Huppert has never looked more beautiful. Despite her severe expression and lack of makeup, her face communicates enormous character. She proves absolutely spellbinding.
80
The New YorkerDavid Denby
The New YorkerDavid Denby
A seriously scandalous work, beautifully made, and it deserves a sizable audience that might argue over it, appreciate it -- even hate it. [1 April 2002, p. 98]
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Its grimness is explicit, so approach it with caution.
75
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
The audience for this grimly disquieting film is, or ought to be, self-selecting.
50
VarietyDavid Rooney
VarietyDavid Rooney
Whatever valid points are being explored are hopelessly clouded by the film's unwavering earnestness as it descends into silliness and excess.