Opera, a form of theater in which music has a leading role and the parts are taken by singers, has long fascinated filmmakers. The drama, the intensity of emotions, and the spectacular music of opera are irresistibly cinematic. Over the years, several films have been made that either depict the world of opera, delve into the lives of famous opera composers and singers, or use opera as a central theme or setting. These films range from biographies and dramas to fantasies and horrors, showcasing the broad range of stories that opera and its milieu can inspire.
“Farinelli”, 1994
Director: Gérard Corbiau
This biographical drama tells the story of Farinelli, the stage name of Carlo Broschi, who was one of the most famous castrato singers of the 18th century. It explores his complex relationship with his brother and the sacrifices he made for his celebrated career in opera.
Starring: Stefano Dionisi, Enrico Lo Verso, Elsa Zylberstein, Caroline Cellier, Marianne Basler, Jacques Boudet, Graham Valentine, Pier Paolo Capponi, Renaud du Peloux de Saint Romain, Delphine Zentout;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: drama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Farinelli” on the website imdb.com
“The Phantom of the Opera”, 2004
Director: Joel Schumacher
Based on Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1986 musical of the same name, itself an adaptation of Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel, this film takes viewers into the dark recesses of the Paris Opera House. It tells the story of a disfigured musical genius who haunts the opera house and falls obsessively in love with a young chorus singer.
Starring: Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson, Minnie Driver, Ciarán Hinds, Simon Callow, Victor McGuire, Jennifer Ellison, Murray Melvin;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: musical, thriller, drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 143 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Phantom of the Opera” on the website imdb.com
“Tosca”, 2011
Director: Jonathan Haswell
This is a film adaptation of Giacomo Puccini's opera “Tosca,” retaining its music while setting it in the more realistic context of the sites in Rome where the story takes place. It combines the drama of opera with stunning visuals of historical locations.
Starring: Angela Gheorghiu, Jonas Kaufmann, Bryn Terfel, Lukas Jakobski, Jeremy White, Hubert Francis, Zhengzhong Zhou, William Payne, John Morrissey, Royal Opera Chorus;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, music;
Age: 0+;
Duration: 131 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Tosca” on the website imdb.com
“A Night at the Opera”, 1935
Director: Sam Wood, Edmund Goulding
A classic Marx Brothers comedy, this film involves the hilarious antics of the brothers as they try to help two young opera singers find success in New York City. While it's not about opera in the traditional sense, opera serves as a backdrop for the film's comedy and shenanigans.
Starring: Groucho Marx, Chico Marx, Harpo Marx, Kitty Carlisle, Allan Jones, Walter Woolf King, Sig Ruman, Margaret Dumont, Edward Keane, Robert Emmett O'Connor;
Production year: 1935;
Genre: musical, comedy;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “A Night at the Opera” on the website imdb.com
“Meeting Venus”, 1991
Director: István Szabó
Directed by István Szabó, this film centers on the chaotic and humorous goings-on behind the scenes of a major European production of Richard Wagner's “Tannhäuser”. It examines not just the artistic but also the political and financial challenges of staging an opera.
Starring: Glenn Close, Niels Arestrup, Kiri Te Kanawa, René Kollo, Håkan Hagegård, Waltraud Meier, Renate Spingler, Matthias Hölle, Kim Begley, Robin Leggate;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Meeting Venus” on the website imdb.com
“Florence Foster Jenkins”, 2016
Director: Stephen Frears
Starring Meryl Streep, this biographical film tells the story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a New York heiress and socialite who dreams of becoming an opera singer, despite having a terrible singing voice. The film explores themes of passion, ambition, and the love of music.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg, Rebecca Ferguson, Nina Arianda, Stanley Townsend, Allan Corduner, Christian McKay, David Haig, John Sessions;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, comedy, biography, music;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
“Marguerite”, 2015
Director: Xavier Giannoli
Loosely inspired by the life of Florence Foster Jenkins, this French tragicomedy is set in the 1920s and follows a wealthy woman who is passionate about singing opera, unaware that she lacks the vocal talent. The film is a poignant exploration of delusion, passion, and the love of art.
Starring: Catherine Frot, André Marcon, Michel Fau, Christa Théret, Denis Mpunga, Sylvain Dieuaide, Aubert Fenoy, Sophia Leboutte, Théo Cholbi, Astrid Whetnall;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, comedy, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
These films, with their varied approaches to the theme of opera, showcase the breadth and depth of human emotion and artistic endeavor that opera encompasses.
In conclusion, films about opera occupy a unique and enchanting space in cinematic history, serving as a bridge between the grandeur of classical music and the expressive storytelling of film. Through the lens of various directors, from historical dramas to contemporary narratives, these films capture the emotional depth, complex characters, and breathtaking performances that define the world of opera. They not only offer insight into the lives of legendary composers and performers but also explore universal themes of love, tragedy, and triumph. Furthermore, by making opera accessible to broader audiences, these films play a vital role in keeping this venerable art form alive in the digital age. Whether one is a lifelong aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, films about opera promise an immersive experience, uniting the auditory and visual in a celebration of human creativity and passion.
