François Girard's FilmFour-funded film starts in a modern day Montreal auction house where Samuel L Jackson is contemplating buying a 17th century violin made by the master Nicolo Bussotti. Little does he know that it is red because it is varnished with the blood of its maker's wife and child and thus cursed. The film shows its making then follows the instrument through the ages, countries and hands of lovers, child prodigies, gypsies and the Chinese revolution, with each tale influenced by Bussotti's curse until the final climax back in Montreal.
Le violon rouge is a Film programme that first aired in 1998 and has been classified a 15 certificate.
