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| The Tales of Hoffmann, Japanese poster. Courtesy of Rialto Pictures/Studio Canal. |
“The Tales of Hoffmann” is the most beautiful, elegant, harmonious, and breathtaking opera ever filmed.
The first tale is about Olympia, the doll from Paris. The puppeteers want to sell Olympia to Hoffmann, who falls deeply in love with her, especially when she sings the “Doll Song.” The dark forces prepare to destroy the doll and true love. The decor and artwork are from the modernist movement, dating to before the Eiffel Tower was built, creating a sophisticated, enigmatic atmosphere and setting the mood for tragedy.
The third tale is about Antonia, the poet from a Greek island. Her mother died of tuberculosis, and her mad father keeps his daughter in seclusion. She is ill and can no longer sing. Her mother’s spirit and the doctor persuaded her to follow her heart, but it was too late for a tragic outcome.
The Epilogue, or the grand finale, takes place inside the Opera House. Stella’s Ballet intercuts with the tavern, where Hoffmann had captivated the audience, who now understand the meaning of the three stories.
The allegorical Technicolor film was directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger (“The Red Shoes,” “Black Narcissus”). It is now available on a new, marvelous 4K restoration by Warner Brothers, Martin Scorsese, and London Films.
The intricate narrative resembles a Shakespearean dramaturgy, with surrealist elements characteristic of the 1950s films. The story is told from Mr. Hoffmann’s (Robert Rounseville) perspective.
The magnificent overture serves as a prologue featuring the Dragonfly ballet’s stunning performance, in which Stella, the prima ballerina, sends a message before her number. Hoffmann, infatuated, watches from the audience. Meanwhile, backstage, the message is intercepted by Lindorf’s evil force.
Inside the surreal Luther’s Tavern, Hoffmann, melancholic, drowns his sorrows and sings the three tales of the women he loved.
Inside the surreal Luther’s Tavern, Hoffmann, melancholic, drowns his sorrows and sings the three tales of the women he loved.
The second tale is about his relationship with Giulietta, the Venetian courtesan manipulated by Dapperdutto; she’s taking possession of Hoffmann’s soul through a mirror. He has to reclaim his identity and his love for her, but it won’t be easy. Jealousy, madness, and revenge are significant factors in this unbelievable episode.
The third tale is about Antonia, the poet from a Greek island. Her mother died of tuberculosis, and her mad father keeps his daughter in seclusion. She is ill and can no longer sing. Her mother’s spirit and the doctor persuaded her to follow her heart, but it was too late for a tragic outcome.
The non-intrusive camera, by the master of British Technicolor cinematography, photographer Christopher Challis, captures every moment from many angles - from the audience’s point of view, backstage, and from the balcony. The camera is everywhere, so the viewer doesn’t miss any detail of the artistic composition.
“The Tales of Hoffmann” is a jewel of British cinema, now restored for film and opera lovers worldwide. A must-see!
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I wish I could visit this festival but sadly since I live far way I found blogs a better place to have virtual tour of it. Thank you for sharing details about the festival with us
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