Tosca - Puccini Reviews

A Tosca to die for flawed by gimmicks

This Tosca is almost perfect, wonderful singing, great orchestral playing, fine production. Unfortunately it is flawed because of a director who states he does not know why he was asked to direct the film, says he does not understand opera and who seems to have no aesthetic feeling for film.

Georghiu is simply superb as Tosca, I am a tremendous fan and this is the greatest performance I have ever seen from her. Then the wonderful chemistry with her husband Alagna as Cavarodossi, these actors and the characters are really in love with each other.

Raimondi as Scarpia is a revelation, no melodrama here, real menace and threat and evil dominating everything he does, the conflict with Tosca in Act 11 is terrifying.

With all this perfection something as basic as film exposure is too contrasty and highlights are burnt out to a pure white, for no known reason black and white excerpts (once again with burnt out highlights) from the audio recording sessions are intercut. Worst of all on two occasions the singing is moved to the background and the singers speak the lines voice over. Fortunately the DTS soundtrack is excellent.

The flaws are a tragedy as this was probably a unique opportunity for Georghiu and Alagna to film Tosca with all the freshness they bring to this performance.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Opera on the cheap.

It's not very encouraging that the director says he's not a fan of Italian Opera. This is Tosca in the studio. I used to think that Opera shot for the screen is better than pointing the camera at a stage production. I don't think so any more. The music and singing are superb but arias don't work solely in close-up (and that's how they are all filmed). The black and white shots of the orchestra, Principals and chorus in tee-shirts and jeans in a rehearsal room just serve to destroy the "willing suspension of disbelief" and the sound has a studio deadness about it. No. Let's go back to full-scale productions in the opera house. This is cheap.

Opera - Tosca

The 3 main protagonists are excellent, Alagna, Gheorghiu, with a suitably wicked Scarpia. Pappano conducts with true Italian passion. But why did the film have to have the black & white scenes of the recording intercut with scenes of the opera in colour? Tosca should have you on the edge of your seat, the action fast and thrilling not bringing you down to earth with the singers singing in a recording studio. Not one I would have in my collection.

White heat of passion.

If you love opera, this is essential viewing. In every respect it is the best opera DVD I've yet seen - absolutely in a class of its own. I don't really understand why opera isn't always done like this. Fantastic music, wonderful singers who act brilliantly as well, superb and beautiful photography and the Royal Opera House Orchestra on top form. Get a bottle of wine, take the phone off the hook, lock the doors, remove the door bell: you'll be transported.

Ghastly

How to ruin a recording. Schmaltzy scenes inserted in the 'dull' bits are grim enough, but to have spoken dialogue over the arias is vile. Don't touch with a bargepole.

This DVD, TOSCA is an excellent production, I can honestly say that it made my evening, the singing was brillient.

I shall purchace this for my collection.

Disappointing

Beautiful singing but the film didn't appeal. This is purely up to personal taste - I would have preferred to see these performers in the opera on a stage, but I'm sure others will love the filmed version.

Stunning

Absolutely stunning! Beautifully acted and a visual treat. Probably not one for the opera purists, but I'd certainly watch it again and again.

Tosca

Not as spectacularly furnished as I expected.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Wonderful - Very Arty

This production is amazing!

I want to challenge the negative reviews. The use of spoken dialogue is very minimal and seems to be used to intensify the emotion between Tosca and Cavarodossi. The black and white cutbacks to the orchestra and scenery setting is done in very good taste and gives the film a very arty feel.

I like it very much. An excellent combination of Opera, Art and Cinema. Definently one worth buying.

I would encourage anyone to pay little attention to the negative reviews as I believe this film is fabulous. Well done Benoit Jacquot!

I believe you can get the most out of the film if you view all of the 'extras' first as they contain interviews which in themselves are very enjoyable and provide information that could increase the enjoyment and understanding of the production style.