The Magic Flute (1975) ****
I've never seen an opera in person (though I'd love to someday, particularly in Italy), but I've seen a few filmed operas. I wasn't familiar with Mozart and librettist Emanuel Schikaneder's 1791 opera, The Magic Flute, but I've learned that it's one of the most popular operas in the world.
Ingmar Bergman's 1975 film version of The Magic Flute was originally broadcast on Swedish television and later given a cinematic release. Bergman's Flute is a playful rendition that takes some welcome liberties such as behind the scenes glimpses of the production of the opera (an actor taking a cigarette break, the two leads playing chess, a dragon lurking about backstage), pictures come to life, and close-ups that you can't get in a stage show. Having been fascinated by the opera since his childhood, Bergman never loses sight of the core of the story though—a tale of good vs evil, with a prince and princess, but with some interesting twists.
The Magic Flute (1975) is filled with charismatic performances (both in the acting and singing department), impressive sets and costumes, vibrant direction, and it kept the attention of this viewer—one who doesn't necessarily seek out opera—throughout.
You can find my Ingmar Bergman Feature Films Ranked list here.
Ingmar Bergman's 1975 film version of The Magic Flute was originally broadcast on Swedish television and later given a cinematic release. Bergman's Flute is a playful rendition that takes some welcome liberties such as behind the scenes glimpses of the production of the opera (an actor taking a cigarette break, the two leads playing chess, a dragon lurking about backstage), pictures come to life, and close-ups that you can't get in a stage show. Having been fascinated by the opera since his childhood, Bergman never loses sight of the core of the story though—a tale of good vs evil, with a prince and princess, but with some interesting twists.
The Magic Flute (1975) is filled with charismatic performances (both in the acting and singing department), impressive sets and costumes, vibrant direction, and it kept the attention of this viewer—one who doesn't necessarily seek out opera—throughout.
You can find my Ingmar Bergman Feature Films Ranked list here.
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