The Competition

Richard Dreyfuss as an aging pianist making one final grab for international recognition. After deciding to retire and dedicate himself to teaching if he fails to win this last-chance contest, Paul (Dreyfuss) throws himself into preparation, failing to notice the interest Heidi (Amy Irving), a more talented but less driven pianist, has taken in him. By the time he begins to return his pretty competitors love, she has trounced him in the contest, prompting Paul to reject her as he lets his pride get the best of him. However they wind up together on a disco dance floor. Subplots--involving a Russian defector, a gay black pianist, and family of hammy Italians--and sentimental motivation (Paul is trying to win to one for his dying dad; Heidi is desperate to please mom) combine in this insiders look at performance competitions. (official distributor synopsis)