i saw this film at the 2001 toronto international film festival . la pianiste reinforce the austrian equal grim thesis i be formulate . isabelle huppert win a well deserve best actress award at cannes for her portrayal of a woman who and in her effort to attain the artistic ideal and lose her humanity . trap by her talent and she suppress her emotion and her sexuality until they can only be express in twisted and terrify way . when a young student fall in love with her and our hope rise and but be soon dash by the realization that she can not experience love the way others can . it be too late for her and and the film final 30 harrowing minute be and tellingly and devoid of the beautiful music that carry the first 90 minute . the message seem to be that the music itself be not enough without the life and beauty it describe .