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The Only Girl in the Orchestra follows the life and career of Orin O'Brien, an iconic bassist that became the first female musician to be accepted in the New York Philarmonic back in the 1960s. Handpicked by Leonard Bernstein, O'Brien shares some of the struggles she has faced in her career, her own insecurities, and what lies in front of her as she retires.
As you can see in the above quote, O'Brien frequently "diminishes" herself in her statements and stories to elevate others instead. This humbling quality is something that she says is integral to doing what she does where "you don't mind playing second fiddle", and how being part of an orchestra, "you're creating something together, which is better than something alone." A sentiment that is surprising coming from someone of her stature.
This is the documentary short that ended up winning the Oscar. However, having seen three of the nominees, I have to say it's the weakest one. It's not bad at all, but it was more of a conventional, by-the-numbers documentary; Here is this important woman, this is what she did, here's where she is now. The End. I wish they would've dug more into the hardships and limitations that she, and other women, faced to belong in her field. Sadly, an unremarkable short to a remarkable woman.
Grade:
THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ORCHESTRA
(2023, O'Brien)
(2023, O'Brien)
"I don't feel I'm an artist. I don't feel I'm good enough. I've never felt I've been good enough."
The Only Girl in the Orchestra follows the life and career of Orin O'Brien, an iconic bassist that became the first female musician to be accepted in the New York Philarmonic back in the 1960s. Handpicked by Leonard Bernstein, O'Brien shares some of the struggles she has faced in her career, her own insecurities, and what lies in front of her as she retires.
As you can see in the above quote, O'Brien frequently "diminishes" herself in her statements and stories to elevate others instead. This humbling quality is something that she says is integral to doing what she does where "you don't mind playing second fiddle", and how being part of an orchestra, "you're creating something together, which is better than something alone." A sentiment that is surprising coming from someone of her stature.
This is the documentary short that ended up winning the Oscar. However, having seen three of the nominees, I have to say it's the weakest one. It's not bad at all, but it was more of a conventional, by-the-numbers documentary; Here is this important woman, this is what she did, here's where she is now. The End. I wish they would've dug more into the hardships and limitations that she, and other women, faced to belong in her field. Sadly, an unremarkable short to a remarkable woman.
Grade: