Customer Reviews

Puccini

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

 

 

This biodrama on Puccini's life focuses heavily on an episode in which his wife suspected an affair with a household servant (later proven to have been a virgin in her postmortem) and persecuted her to the point of suicide. This, presumably combined with a mid-life crisis caused the composer excruciating psychological agonies. In an attempt at redemption, the screenwriter and director suggest, Puccini created the self-sacrificial role of Liu in juxtaposition to the heartless Princess Turandot (Signora Puccini), but was unable to complete the work, presumably because of his own lack of closure. The tie in is accomplished in part with documentary footage of a Scottish National Opera production of his final opera as an autobiographical work (which introduces some loose threads into the narrative). The performances are generally good, with the exception of that by Robert Stephens in the title role, which is excellent. The musical score, as might be expected, is wonderful and generally does a fine job of associating with the pace and subject of the action. Overall, this is a worthwhile purchase for anyone seriously interested in Puccini and many who have only a passing interest.

This music video scores well on a one out of three rating: It is beautiful since it is filmed through the mists at Torre del Lago,
Puccini's area of residence, but the video sings flat due to awful
acting, while juxtaposing itself into rehearsls by the amateurish
Scottish Opera, and the story itself is a bad soap opera. If you
want to see and hear "Turandot," find Franco Corelli's video version,
and if you want a better presentation of Puccini's rustic
marital problems with his wife Elvira, read the book--skip this mess.
Ciao,

I was very disappointed in this movie. There was no level on which it was satisfying. I kept feeling they should not have bothered. Puccini's work is a favorite genre for me and this tale was just so tawdry and boring! I have been to Italy and the places he lived, especially Torre del Lago which has so much joy and warmth attached to it....at least for me. I had to make a big effort to stick with this film to the end. Now I used the tape to record over it. There is nothing to endear this to anyone.