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Israel, United States · 2018
1h 22m
Director Alison Chernick
Starring Itzhak Perlman, Toby Perlman, Alan Alda, Billy Joel
Genre Documentary
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This documentary provides a look into the life of renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman. Featuring interviews with Perlman and those close to him, the film tells the story of how Perlman rose to fame after battling childhood polio and follows him as he continues to share his deep passion for music and for life.
The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by
It’s in his cozy kitchen — wallpapered with photos of his five kids, grandchildren and his wife of a half-century, Toby – that we get to know the man: the jovial grandfather, the joke teller, the dedicated husband, the patient teacher and loyal friend, who is as excited as a child as he makes his famous “garbage” soup for his long-time pal, Alan Alda.
Good music and good company make “Itzhak” a pleasure, though those seeking a methodical career overview should look elsewhere than this genial personality sketch of the world-famous violinist.
The Hollywood Reporter by Frank Scheck
Despite its many engaging moments, Itzhak will likely prove frustrating for viewers desiring more information.
The New York Times by Helen T. Verongos
We get a brief dip into his family’s past and emigration from Israel, but the filmmaker never digs deeply enough to reveal any other substantial dimension of this man, or her theories about what shaped him.
The Seattle Times by John Hartl
Most of Alison Chernick’s sweetly reverential new documentary, Itzhak, suggests a contemporary day in the life of a world-famous musician.
RogerEbert.com by Matt Zoller Seitz
It's less concerned with covering the totality of his life than evoking his life force, which is good-humored, earthy and inspiring.
Director Alison Chernick profiles the violin virtuoso, through his performance, of course, but she also reveals a personality as expressive as his musicianship.
If anything, Chernick’s film shows a life that may be too perfect. In addition to his triumphant career, Perlman has a seemingly ideal marriage — to Toby, a woman who is his match in ebullience, wit, and passion for art and music. It has lasted for more than 50 years.
Los Angeles Times by Robert Abele
As a portrait of a marriage forged in respect, love and companionship, Itzhak is in its casually wonderful way proof that life is rarely lived as a virtuosic solo.
The makers of the irresistible character-study doc Itzhak capture Itzhak Perlman’s characteristic warmth and bravado through short, anecdote-centric scenes that make the Israeli American violinist sound like a big-hearted raconteur who’s just dying to tell you everything about himself.
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