Customer Reviews

Bizet's Dream [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The series of films titled "The Composer's Specials", are in large part fiction, but are intended to introduce young people to classical music. In "Bizet's Dream", despite an inane script, and a few scenes that are so slow they seem to come to a standstill, there are some standout features: Marvelous cinematography by Barry Stone, on location in the Czech Republic, the magnificent music, played by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, and Yseult Lendvai. Ms. Lendvai is the Prima Ballerina of the Stuttgart Ballet, and her all too fleeting appearances are a joy. Had all 53 minutes of this film been of her dancing to Bizet's gorgeous Carmen score, this would have been a 5 star masterpiece, as it is, it narrowly fits into a 4 star category.

The cast is attractive, with Maurice Godin as Bizet, and Brittany Madgett as his 12 year old student, and as the artist Delaborde, R.H. Thomson is amusing and engaging.Though this is supposed to be a "film for the whole family", parents should be aware that it is depicting 19th century bohemian Parisians, with much wine drinking, and permissive behavior, though that is balanced perhaps by being able to introduce children to the fabulous music, the Czech National Ballet, and even a little opera...and of course, Ms. Lendvai, who is pure grace and style.

As a public school music teacher, I have a number of these films in my collection. This film is bizarre.

The story moves a long slowly, the plot contrivances are a little thin, and just like in Beethoven Lives Upstairs (where Christopher, the boy character, and Beethoven spend an afternoon walking and talking with each other), there's a section where the little girl languishes alongside Bizet and his mopey son on a warm afternoon. Completely innocent, but as you may well guess, I don't buy a 10 year old girl and a grown man behaving like soul mates and sharing their personal anguish with each other.

There is also an extended "main child character running an incredibly long distance through the city streets" montage, again, like in BLU.

Finally, the strained relationship between Bizet and his wife is hinted at, but never explained, so the peculiar ending makes little sense. Although my 4th graders, having studied "Carmen" in class, found the story intriguing, they were confused by the ending as well.

Meh. Three stars.

I show this to my 5th grade music students at school and they totally sit quiet and watch it. They love it. I love all of the composer videos that this company has done.

Daddy is overseas in Spain with the French Foriegn Legion. The little girl is taking piano lessons from a forgetful teacher, and suddenly she is wafted into the upstair's neighbor's room, where she finds all sorts of exotic birds. The movie is about gypsy's and Bohemians, and how little girls start wondering about what adults do with their spare time. It is an introductory story into the wonderful world of art and creativity. The costumes and gardens look like Monet! The music is fabulous! Lots of fun, and beware, your children will begin to question "what is normal?"

My piano students love this movie. I use it as a component of music appreciation classes.

We generally love the composer series but this one reeks. It is silly and stupid and teaches you next to nothing about Bizet.

Also it is trashy and sleazy and depressing. It is totally inappropriate for the children at which it is aimed, and it's too silly and inane for an adult to appreciate.

Definetly a video you can live without. Don't say I didn't warn you.

This movie doesn't teach a thing about Bizet! His opera Carmen was also a little carried away! Only a stupid love story! Definetely do not purchase this movie!

Aye Chiuaha this movie gives me a fever the sex the music and the storyline I mean if you want music done you want great cast check you want great storyline Oh yes check !This is one of my fave Composer videos !