The Piano Teacher (2001)

In the heart of Vienna, where music breathes life into the cobblestone streets, resides Erika Kohut, a pianist of undeniable talent, yet confined in a world not quite reaching the concert level. Erika, caught in the throes of middle age, finds herself ensnared within the domineering grip of her mother, their dynamic oscillating between submissive and combative, a mirror to the keys she so masterfully plays. Schubert and Schumann are her solace, her sanctuary, and with her students, she is a relentless taskmaster, as severe as the reality she endures. Erika's life is a symphony of isolation, her existence cooped up within the oppressive walls she shares with her mother. Yet, there exists a secret chord in the composition of her life, a dark melody that takes her to the heart of Vienna's sex shops, peepshows, and drive-in theaters. Her sexuality, a twisted dance of voyeurism and self-inflicted pain, plays out in the shadows, detached from the monotony of her daily life. In this solemn sonata, a note of discord is struck by Walter, a confident student with a spark of musical genius and a forthright attraction towards his enigmatic teacher. Erika, initially cold and distant, soon imposes her will, demanding that she conduct their unconventional symphony. The game takes a sharp turn when she pens a letter, a startling invitation into the labyrinth of her fantasies. As the curtain lifts on this peculiar relationship, one is left to wonder - how will Walter respond to Erika's audacious overture? And in this intricate dance of desire and control, how does the power of sex interplay with our core human faculties? In the end, "The Piano Teacher" is a haunting melody that explores the depths of human desire, the darkness of obsessions, and the poignant power of music.

The Piano Teacher is a drama movie featuring Isabelle Huppert.

The Piano Teacher is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Piano Teacher on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies and YouTube.