Plot summary

Wiling away at a luxurious resort in the Swiss Alps, the retired silver-haired composer, Fred Ballinger, soaks in lazy ennui and indolence, until an emissary for Queen Elizabeth II approaches him, asking him to perform one of his early compositions at Prince Philip's birthday. However, as the legendary musician and his equally successful filmmaker friend, Mick, ponder on life's brevity; the inevitability of death; the suffocating absolutism of youth, and the perpetual adoration of beauty, a decision must be made. Will Fred agree to conduct his "Simple Song #3" in front of the prince?—Nick Riganas