This was a real treat. In its description it said the words "avant guard". I have to admit that usually that term scares me off. I have spoke on this blog that non-narrative film making is difficult for me to connect with. I was afarid that this was going to be another one of those types of films.
Instead what I was treated to was just that the title promises. 32 short films examining different elements of Mr. Gould's life. So who is Glenn Gould? That is what turned me on to the film. He was a child piano prodigy. He had an affection for Bach. He is known for many things. And many of those things being quite strange. For example: He was a concert pianist until the age of 31, the suddenly and without notice he decided to stop touring and focus solely on recording himself playing. He has recording on the Voyager Spaceships in case alien life form intercepts these vessels, there will be a record of music for them to relate to humanity. He was a hypochondriac. He became a recluse (as all good geniuses do) when he got older. His technical skill are widely thought to be near, if not, perfect.
The visual styles of the films ranged from animation of two white lines showing the vibrations his music being played to fluid close up's of the inner working of a piano while being played. There are a few more traditional documentary moments of interviews with "friends" and co-artist. Then there are some completely imagined fictional scenes with an actor playing Gould.
I love the films style and the subject is fascinating. I think this was the perfect way to represent the life of such a diverse, fragmented and complicated man. I give 32 Short Films About Glenn Gould ★★★★.
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