This is one of those gems which often are overlooked for years. I hope that is not the case with this truly outstanding effort. Fanny Ardant gives a reading on Maria Callas that is nothing less than superb. This should have gotten her nominations at every festival and showbiz awards group. The fire and passion in her eyes, the ability to have even the slightest facial change reflect fleeting passion and torture in her soul in full - and I mean FULL - closeup. This director has a quirk in his style, in that he often glosses over things we wish to know, but in this case that does not hurt the film. The friendship between Fanny and Jeremy Irons (also at his finest) is fully realized, warts and all, and Irons' romantic gay relationship is treated as real and honest, not just some "we're here and we're queer" in-your-face political statement.
The music is brilliant, Callas' voice never sounded better. The lip-synch near perfect. The sound has been enhanced and re-recorded in a fabulous way. AND THE WARDROBE. Chanel, Chanel, Chanel, and Fanny Ardant wears it like she was born wearing Chanel.
Joan Plowright turns in another wonderful character and the look and feel of this film is terrific.
Do NOT miss this film if you love opera, Callas, Ardant, Irons, or just plain good filmmaking.
The music is brilliant, Callas' voice never sounded better. The lip-synch near perfect. The sound has been enhanced and re-recorded in a fabulous way. AND THE WARDROBE. Chanel, Chanel, Chanel, and Fanny Ardant wears it like she was born wearing Chanel.
Joan Plowright turns in another wonderful character and the look and feel of this film is terrific.
Do NOT miss this film if you love opera, Callas, Ardant, Irons, or just plain good filmmaking.