In a time when cynicism is everywhere, and is constantly reflected back to us in our cinema, Music From the Heart delivers a powerful statement about the value of music and the strength in all of us to survive and excel.
Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep) is a single mother and violin teacher who comes to East Harlem, New York, in search of a job and a fresh start. She believes that music can make a difference in the lives of inner city children, and that anyone – including the kids of that tough neighbourhood – could learn to play the violin.
Roberta encounters plenty of obstacles to success. People at the school doubt the value of what she’s doing. And she has plenty of self-doubts. Her husband has left her and her two sons, and she’s not the least bit sure she can make it on her own.
Gradually, Roberta proves to herself and to those around her that she, and her music, can not only survive, but also flourish. Years later, when her violin program is threatened, Roberta, and the community she has become part of, rise to its defence.
Music of the Heart is more than just another ‘feel good’ movie largely because of Meryl Streep. In an age when movie stars often play themselves, Streep immerses herself in her characters so we don’t know who Streep is, but we come to intimately understand her characters. Roberta starts as a woman lacking confidence, dependent on her departed husband, but filled with a drive to teach the violin. Over time, she gains strength and independence, and without leaning on a man.
The film benefits from a strong script, sensitive direction and charismatic performances. It’s sentimental and simple, but it’s also warm and smart and sensitively constructed. Director Wes Craven and screenwriter Pamela Gray deserve credit for how much we care about the large number of supporting characters that pass through the film; most of them are children. The adult supporting characters, particularly those played by Aidan Quinn and Gloria Estefan, are much less interesting.
This film treads the familiar track of inspirational stories of teachers doing good in the inner city. But its characters seem so real that we can’t help but cheer for them. Cynics may feel the need to criticize its sentimentality. That’s fine, as it leaves the rest of us to appreciate the heart-warming story and Streep’s fine performance.
