The Competition

Set against the picturesque background of San Francisco, The Competition is a moving 1980 romantic drama that beautifully expresses the cutthroat world of professional piano competitions and the intricacies of human relationships. Helmed by director Joel Oliansky and featuring acclaimed actors Richard Dreyfuss and Amy Irving, with a noteworthy performance by Lee Remick, the film amalgamates the stress of competition with the drama of romance in a way that captivates the audience from start to finish.

Signature to the late '70s and early '80s style, The Competition carries its storyline with all the drama and passion that was symbolic of this era. Richard Dreyfuss showcases his exceptional acting prowess in the role of Paul Dietrich, an aspiring piano player whose previous near wins have emotionally scarred him. He's under massive pressure—not only from the competition but also from his insistent father, who's convinced that this competition represents his last chance at making a significant career in music. The film presents Dietrich as an extraordinary talent who's struggling to break the vicious cycle of second-place finishes that have come to define his career.

Amy Irving delivers an equally strong performance as Heidi Joan Schoonover, a confident and talented pianist who is equally determined to win the competition. Despite her obvious talent, her football player fiancé, who hails from a different world altogether, fails to understand the allure and sacrifices required of a piano career, leading to a tension-filled storyline.

Lee Remick enhances the film in her role as Greta Vandemann, an ex-concert pianist who now serves as a confidante, guide, and tutor for the young contestants. She mentors Heidi while hiding a bitter past of her own, adding a layer of intrigue to the narrative.

The intense rivalry between Paul and Heidi forms the key plotline of the movie. What begins as a competition starts evolving into an unexpected camaraderie as the contest progresses. The narrative captivates the viewer as it navigates the thorny trajectories of fame, talent, and ambition, showing how personal and professional lives often intersect in unexpected ways.

Notably, The Competition does not focus solely on the romantic angle between Dreyfuss and Irving's characters. Instead, it delves deep into the world of professional music, showcasing the intense practice sessions, mental pressures, and the performer's loneliness that lurks behind the glamour of the stage. As the characters perform to some of the best-known pieces from Rachmaninoff, Chopin, and Beethoven, the movie gives the audience a glimpse into the world of classical music, imbuing the narrative with a sense of authenticity and respect for the art form.

Oliansky shows a keen understanding of the genre, weaving emotional tension and human drama in these high-stakes scenarios, making the audience feel like they're sitting in the auditorium, living through the entrants' painful missteps and their best symphonic achievements. The movie constantly keeps you guessing: Will their shared passion for the piano drive them apart, or bring them closer together?

The city of San Francisco provides the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama. With beautifully shot scenes that capture the regality of the International Piano Competition and the charm of the city, the cinematography truly adds another vital layer to the storyline.

The Competition is more than just a drama—it’s a character study of two highly focused individuals and a realistic depiction of the sacrifices they make in their pursuit of perfection. It provides a rich insight into the world of competitive musicians, their fears, their toil, and the uncompromising dedication to their art. Paired with the romantic angle, it makes for an engrossing and deeply emotional viewing experience.

With outstanding performances, an engaging storyline, and a tasteful portrayal of the classical music world, The Competition is a charmingly crafted movie worth watching. Through its characters, their rivalries, and their ambitions, the film beautifully echoes the universal truths faced by every professional musician—and perhaps, to that extent, every professional in any field—highlighting the complexities of the path to success, the intensity of competition, and the unfathomable choices one has to make when personal and professional passions collide.