The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life

The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life is a groundbreaking heartfelt documentary that presents a harmonious blend of history, music, resilience, and the triumphant spirit of human survival. Directed by Malcolm Clarke in 2013, this film emerged as an astounding winner for Best Documentary Short at the Academy Awards in 2014.

The central figure of the film is Alice Herz-Sommer, the oldest known pianist and holocaust survivor at the time of filming, who lived in apartment number 6, hence the title The Lady in Number 6. Alice Herz-Sommer was a renowned Jewish-Czech concert musician who was born in Prague and lived to an awe-inspiring age of 110 years. The film poignantly encapsulates how music became the lifeline for Alice, not only during the horrific events of World War II but throughout her life.

The film cleverly weaves in the accounts of two additional Holocaust survivors, Zdenka Fantlova and Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, who echo Alice's sentiments about the sustaining power of music in deeply troubling times. Their narratives augment the storyline and provide a multi-faceted portrayal of life, strife and the overpowering will of survival through the horrors of the Holocaust. These personal recollections and retrospection provide an enriched texture to the majestic central narrative ground around Alice.

A significant facet of The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life separates it from several other documentaries based around the Holocaust. The film, while acknowledging the dark realities, chooses to focus on Alice's indomitable spirit and her vivacious zeal for life rather than dwelling on the unsettling horror of the past. What captivates the viewers is Alice's warm smile, the sparkle in her eyes and her philosophical perspective on life and adversity, demonstrating how she views music as a saviour and healer rather than as an escape mechanism.

In the documentary, the audience sees Alice's daily routine of relentless piano practice and her philosophical musings on life, offering rays of sunshine that illuminate her extraordinary life journey. In this light, music emerges as Alice's medium for recalling the past as well as therapeutic solace in everyday life. She remarks on how the connection to her beloved piano sonatas by Beethoven and Bach offered her the driving force to endure through the darkest days of mankind's history. Alice passionately manifests that being engrossed in such magnificent symphonic undercurrents detracted attention from the sheer physical reality and transported the mind into an ethereal sphere of musical ascension unmarred by the gruelling circumstances.

Malcolm Clarke's genius lies in bringing to the forefront Alice's story and persona, one that not only rivets but also resonates. The film exemplifies storytelling at its best, juxtaposing the remarkable strength of human spirit against an unthinkable backdrop of human terror. The minimalist yet elegant cinematography by Kieran Crilly combined with the compelling and heartfelt narrative makes for a captivating viewing experience. It is a sensory engagement where you can almost hear the notes of the piano flowing through every frame.

The documentary, while dealing with a historical event, does not confine itself to history. Instead, it delves deep into an emotive exploration of hope, resilience, positivity and the human spirit's undeniable will to persevere, lighting up the darkest corners of human history with glimmers of hope. There's a lyrical quality to the narrative that resounds long after the movie is over, deeply resonating with the viewers.

The film chronicles Alice's zest for life, her unwavering optimism, and her unfathomable belief in the power of music. Despite confronting an unthinkable past, Alice's glowing persona, her infectious laughter, and her miraculous ability to remain hopeful in life's most dire circumstances speak volumes about her indomitable strength.

The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life is a compelling blend of history, personal narrative, and music, but above all, it presents a heartfelt homage to the triumphant spirit of human survival. This inspirational tale of resilience will leave an indelible imprint on your mind and possibly nudge you to respect and appreciate life a little more. From start to finish, Alice's journey of resilience and her tale of survival as told through this intimate and evocative portrayal will inspire you to look at life from a perspective unpublished in books and untold in stories, steering the narrative with warmth, passion and an unwavering positivity. It is a masterclass in resilience, providing not just a glimpse into a chapter of history, but the enduring lessons of survival, hope, and the transformative power of music.