Madmoiselle Paradis (Licht)
Set in 1770s Vienna, LICHT follows an aspiring young harpsichordist whose magical playing has already gained notice among high society. A fly in the ointment: the prodigy is a woman, and blind. Maria Theresia von Paradis plays by ear and instinct, with heightened senses, yet her attentive mother and father want nothing more than to restore her sight, by whatever means possible. Maria Theresia and her parents are soon at the doorstep of a physician who is just beginning to establish a reputation in viennese society: Dr. Mesmer. LICHT revolves around this doctor-patient relationship, allowing Albert to delve into a series of themes: gender dynamics; science versus art; age and youth. Mesmer was perceived by the non-acolytes as a bit of a quack, but under his gentle care, Theresia makes seemingly miraculous progress. Meanwhile, society grows suspicious, her playing style is affected, and Theresia’s once supportive family begins to doubt Mesmer. (Toronto Film Festival)
with English subtitles
In the presence of the film director, Barbara Albert.