by Linda Kay
Also Known As: Kinski Paganini
Directed by: Klaus Kinski
Synopsis: The life of composer and violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini as portrayed by actor-turned-director Klaus Kinski is reduced to not much more than a fever dream of debauchery and unpleasantness.
Kitty Cameo: Klaus Kinski’s own son Nikolai Kinski plays Achille, the beloved child of Paganini who is devoted to his father even when the man is physically falling to pieces. Near the end of the movie, Paganini enters his gardens and starts to play his violin fervently. Achille approaches from a distance carrying a light brown and white tabby kitten which he holds close as he listens to his father playing.
Eventually Paganini’s performance starts to falter as he suffers from an internal hemorrhage. Blood spews from the artist’s mouth as he continues to scratch out discordant notes on his instrument, causing Achille to cry out in horror.
The kitten is even left dangling for a moment as the boy holds him over the edge of the stone railing. What becomes of the kitten is not known.
Final Mewsings: Cats are not keen on screechy impromptu violin concerts.
Many thanks to Mark Murton for letting me know about the cat in this film.
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