David Garrett to play Paganini in new film

19 October 2012, 12:25

The violinist is putting his musical talents to good use in the new film about Paganini's life, released in 2013.

Rockstar violinist David Garrett is to make his acting debut, playing the 19th century figure Nicolo Paganini in a new film, Paganini - The Devi's Violinist.

The film involves world-famous violinist Paganini making a Faustian pact with his manager to create a myth around his persona, and being forced to deal with the fallout in the press. He also meets the love of his life, journalist Ethel Langham, played by Joely Richardson, star of Anonymous and The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo.

Paganini's wild appearance and great virtuosity made him an international star; the same could be said of David Garrett. In a German interview, he described the similarities between the two violinists.

"Paganini was someone who was very good very early on, and always tried to bring innovation and his own style into his playing," he said. "What's the difference between us? Not even that much. He was maybe slightly more eccentric."

The film, directed by Bernard Rose, and with a soundtrack written and played by David Garrett, comes out next year.