from Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueFilm/s/DNLGBXXDTN

The 2001 psychological drama film The Piano Teacher is an adaptation by German director Michael Haneke of Elfriede Jelinek’s 1983 novel ‘Die Klavierspielerin’, an in depth character study of repressed piano teacher Erika Kohut. Appearing disciplined, harsh, and controlled to her peers and students, Erika is soon revealed to be proprietor to a whole host of complex and controversial sexual desires. Over the course of this erotic French masterpiece, Erika attempts to act on her desires by engaging in a sexual relationship with one of her students. Through these interactions, the spectator is placed in an oddly intimate and incredibly uncomfortable position; watching her fumble her way through the messy intricacies of sex in a way she never has before. ‘The Piano Teacher’ is without a doubt a difficult watch, but also a beautiful one.

Going into ‘The Piano Teacher,’ I knew little else but that the film’s director, Michael Haneke, had produced two works I thoroughly enjoyed; the 1997 psychological thriller ‘Funny Games,’ and later ‘Caché’ in 2005. To me, ‘The Piano Teacher’ exceeded both of these titles. The focus is almost entirely on Erika, and as such provides an extraordinary amount of depth to her character. Played excellently by Isabelle Huppert, Erika is a woman whose actions induce both sympathy and disgust. From scenes of self-inflicted genital mutilation and upsetting breakdowns to displays of her sly acts of cruelty to others, it is difficult to decide whether to feel sorry for her or not. But perhaps she shouldn’t be judged so harshly, having been brought up in a world dominated by the sexual tastes and desires of men. And when Erika attempts to turn her sexual gaze and desires onto the world of men, it will break her.

Erika’s personal life and public life are two spheres Haneke entwines into ‘The Piano Teacher’ expertly well, and the juxtaposition between the two enable us as viewers to somewhat understand Erika’s character, and the tensions that exist within her. Erika is a highly respected and feared teacher at a conservatory in Vienna, yet she is simultaneously a failed concert pianist. At work, she exhibits a veneer of pure self-autonomy; she is cold and unmoving towards her pupils and those who audition before her. At home, she lives in a small apartment with her Mother, whom she shares a bedroom with, as well as an incredibly erratic and often violent relationship. Her Mother is domineering, and treats Erika like a child. Erika’s Father is significantly absent, and is noted to have died after a long stay in a psychiatric institution. In private, Erika frequents sex shops and tries on revealing dresses she will never buy nor wear.

[Read my full film analysis of 'The Piano Teacher' here](https://www.filmstowatchbeforeyoudie.com/blog/the-piano-teacher-2001-film-review-an-analysis-of-hanekes-most-disturbing-film)

I've been working on this analysis for a long time, because I really felt like I needed to do this incredible film justice. This is just an excerpt from the full piece I've written (because it is way too long for a Reddit post), but I really wanted to hear other people's thoughts on this film.