Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg is not the sort of person you might expect a world-renowned classical violinist to be; she likes to drink beer and shoot pool, she chain smokes cigarettes, she cracks a lot of jokes, and she is obsessed with Star Trek (especially Captain Kirk). She's also known for the extremely emotional nature of her performances, which have fascinated some audiences and enraged others. Speaking in Strings, directed by Paola di Florio (a longtime friend of the violinist), proves that's no accident. Prone to mood swings, Salerno-Sonnenberg discusses her bouts with depression and a suicide attempt; as well as a finger injury that nearly derailed her career; and her thoughts on the link between music and human emotions. A telling look at an unusual and compelling musician, Speaking in Strings premiered at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival.