A Great Opera - Almost a Great Film

This is a ground making attempt to make a realistic film version of a great opera. The costumes, Venice/Italian settings and photography are lush. Musically the cast and orchestra are first class and it all leads to a great experience.

On the down side, however, is the wooden acting of the singers. It is difficult for opera singers to act as well as sing, but this is not helped by some of the staging. For example poor old Don Ottavio has to sing his love angst stood upright in a boat whilst two oarsmen take him through a lagoon - visually pleasing but otherwise bizarre. In addition the director misses a great deal of what the opera is about - it is all too serious. This opera may have its dark side but it is mainly a comedy/satire. The antics of Don Giovanni are deplorable and he gets it in the end, but the behaviour of the others is lampooned by Mozart. The rather loose and easy behaviour of the women is a target (Donna Anna in particular - she obviously lies her head off) as is the ineffectual behaviour of Don Ottavio and Masetto.

Still there is much to be enjoyed in this film and it is highly recommended to all, particularly those new to opera.