A Late Quartet (2012)

The title refers not only to particular music by Beethoven but also to the fictional string quartet of Yaron Zilberman's fussily genteel, overplotted Manhattan tale in which interpersonal stresses build to a crescendo when one of the foursome becomes ill. Although the crises are too precious, the performances are treasures, led by Christopher Walken in a surprisingly gentle, soulful key as the group's senior member. Also in tune: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, and Mark Ivanir, as the coldly practical first fiddle. B