Itzhak is a charming and easygoing documentary about renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman.

Perlman showed amazing musical talent at a young age, but his mainstream recognition initially stemmed from his polio-stricken body.  As he grew up and maintained his craft, the musician became more of a presence;  making people see past his disability and focus on his humbling personality, his extraordinary expertise, and his ability to teach others about the power of music.  While Itzhak doesn’t have a specific main takeaway, documentarian Alison Chernick fills the film with these interesting arcs that compliment Perlman’s life.

Chernick also contributes a new take on the “fly-on-the-wall” experience as she lets her camera roll on subjects who describe the violinist in a genuine atmosphere.  The film’s shapelessness is unconventional for a biographical doc, but it seamlessly matches the habitual nature of how people respect Itzhak Perlman as a friend and as an influential musician.

**********

Do You Tweet? Follow These Tweeple:

Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie