Strad Style

Strad Style, a captivating documentary directed by Stefan Avalos, is an enthralling tale of an extraordinary man that masterfully weaves elements of friendship, aspiration, and classical music. Premiered at Slamdance Film Festival in 2017 where it claimed the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature, the movie follows the life of Daniel Houck, a passionate violin enthusiast living in rural Ohio, as he embarks on a journey to replicate one of the most valuable violins in history – the famed Il Cannone Guarnerius from 1743, lovingly made by Giuseppe Guarneri and well-crafted to perfection.

In this tale of obsession and resonance, Daniel Houck, who is portrayed as an eccentric, self-taught luthier living in comparative isolation, makes a pledge to construct an exact duplicate of the world-renowned violin, owned by the classical maestro Niccolo Paganini, for the internationally acclaimed violinist Razvan Stoica. Fascinatingly, despite Houck not having any formal training in violin making, his deep fascination with the instrument drives him to take up this monumental task. Through online contact, Houck and Stoica foster a friendship that is both genuine and stirring, providing a heartwarming look at an unlikely bond formed around a shared love of classical music and the unique craftsmanship of elite violins.

The audience is taken through the riveting journey as Houck uses anything and everything at his disposal to make an exact replica of the Il Cannone Guarnerius, laboring long hours in his decrepit farmhouse. He pours over diagrams and old books, scrutinizes high-resolution photographs, and even scours eBay for antique wood. All the while, Razvan Stoica, who resides halfway across the world in Amsterdam, eagerly awaits the completion of this exceptional violin. The depth of Houck's commitment to the project is striking as we see his persistent efforts, relentless desire for perfection, and his singular obsession to create the perfect Stradivarius violin.

On a deeper level, Strad Style is not merely about the making of a violin. Indeed, it paints a vivid portrait of Houck's life, dwelling into his idiosyncrasies and personality. With his unkempt hair, quirky humor, eclectic house filled with all sorts of hoarded material, and a general disregard for societal norms, Houck radiates an eccentric charm. Simultaneously, the film does not shy away from depicting Houck's struggles with poverty, loneliness, and feelings of inadequacy, adding layers of complexity to his character, making him human, endearing, and relatable.

Instrumental in the narrative is the relationship formed between Daniel Houck and Razvan Stoica, even though they are separated by geographical boundaries. The film explores the unlikely friendship with warmth and sincerity, making it one of the film's most touching aspects. The relationship between the unassuming Houck and the sophisticated Stoica broadens the narrative by introducing elements of fellowship, shared aspirations, and mutual respect into the storyline.

Strad Style also provides an intriguing glimpse into the world of classical music, delving into the complexities associated with the creation of superior violins. It is an eye-opening exploration of the meticulous and intricate process behind violin-making, such as the careful selection of wood, the usage of traditional tools, the detailed inlay work, and the intensive varnishing process.

Director Stefan Avalos excellently balances the documentary's emotional elements with educational aspects. He successfully captures the essence of obsession, passion, determination, and the sheer will to pursue one's dream regardless of hurdles. The beautiful camerawork masterfully catches the stunning details of exquisite violiner craftmanship along with the bucolic beauty of the rural Midwest, thus offering visual pleasure.

Professional musicians, and anyone with an appreciation for craftsmanship, will find Strad Style to be a fascinating exploration of human passion for perfection and a nod towards the classical world of music. It essentially stands as an ode to human resilience, personal passion, and exceptional friendship that transcends geographical boundaries.

Strad Style offers an enriching experience to the viewers looking for an unconventional film laden with passion, dreams, friendship, overcoming personal adversity, and the rich world of classical music, while proving that even without any formal training, dedication and unconquerable spirit can still achieve greatness.