Topic: Opera

Direction Sam Wood

Cast The Marx Brothers · Groucho Marx · Harpo Marx · Chico Marx

Synopsis A Night at the Opera (1935) follows the chaotic journey of Groucho Marx, who, driven by an unusual business venture, manages to transport the entire cast of the Milano Opera to New York via a ship. Unbeknownst to him, Harpo...

Direction Ramón Gener · Alan Fàbregas · Toniu Xou · Ramon Balagué

Cast Ramón Gener

Direction Danièle Huillet · Jean-Marie Straub

Cast Günter Reich · Louis Devos · Eva Csapo · Roger Lucas

Synopsis Moses and Aaron (1975) is a cinematic adaptation directed by the French filmmaking duo Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet, inspired by Arnold Schoenberg's unfinished opera of the same name. Initially released in 1973, this film was showcased in the United...

Direction Rupert Julian

Cast Lon Chaney · Mary Philbin · Norman Kerry · Snitz Edwards

Synopsis The Phantom of the Opera (1925) unfolds in the grand setting of the Paris Opera House, where an enigmatic figure known as the Phantom begins to wreak havoc. The Phantom's initial target is the renowned singer Carlotta, compelling her to...

Direction Franco Zeffirelli

Cast Teresa Stratas · Plácido Domingo · Juan Pons · Alberto Rinaldi

Direction Danièle Huillet · Jean-Marie Straub

Cast Richard Salter · Christine Whittlesey · Annabelle Hahn · Claudia Barainsky

Direction Chen Kaige

Cast Gong Li · Leslie Cheung · Zhang Fengyi · Lu Qi

Synopsis Farewell My Concubine (1993) unfolds as a dual narrative, intricately weaving together the lives of two Beijing Opera performers who are bound by a deep, brotherly bond, and the woman who disrupts their relationship. Simultaneously, the film endeavors to encapsulate...

Direction Hans-Jürgen Syberberg

Cast Armin Jordan · Robert Lloyd · Martin Sperr · Michael Kutter

Synopsis Parsifal (1982) is a cinematic adaptation of Richard Wagner's final opera, renowned for its enduring controversy due to its distinctive fusion of religious and erotic themes and imagery. The film draws from the medieval epic tales of King Arthur and...

Direction Chuck Jones

Synopsis What's Opera, Doc? (S) (1957) is a 1957 animated short film from the Merrie Melodies series, helmed by Chuck Jones for Warner Bros. Cartoons. The screenplay by Michael Maltese presents a 6:11 operatic parody of 19th-century composer Richard Wagner's operas,...

Direction Joseph Losey

Cast Ruggero Raimondi · Edda Moser · Kiri Te Kanawa · José Van Dam

Synopsis Don Giovanni (1979) follows the infamous libertine, Don Giovanni, as he embarks on a series of seductions across Europe, with his servant Leporello meticulously documenting his conquests, which total 2065 at the last count. One fateful night, Don Giovanni (Ruggero...

Direction Franco Zeffirelli

Cast Teresa Stratas · Plácido Domingo · Cornell MacNeil · Allan Monk

Synopsis La Traviata (1982) presents a narrative akin to "Camille," faithfully adapting the key events from Dumas's play into operatic form. The first act unfolds in Violetta's vibrant household, filled with dancing, feasting, and romantic encounters. Among her admirers is Alfredo...

Direction Chuck Jones

Synopsis Long-Haired Hare (S) (1949) features a classic confrontation between Bugs Bunny and a haughty opera singer. The story unfolds as Bugs Bunny seeks revenge against the opera star who has caused him harm. The film is a delightful blend of...

Direction Tom Volf

Synopsis 1958 Callas - Paris (2023) presents a stunningly restored performance of opera legend Maria Callas, captured in vibrant color and 4K Ultra HD from newly unearthed 16mm film prints. The documentary showcases Callas's historic debut at the Paris Opera on...

Direction Jean-Stéphane Bron

Cast Stéphane Lissner · Benjamin Millepied

Synopsis The Paris Opéra (2017) offers an exclusive glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world's most prestigious cultural institutions, as it is steered by the visionary leadership of Stéphane Lissner. This documentary delves into the meticulous operations, artistic...

Direction Michael Powell · Emeric Pressburger

Cast Moira Shearer · Leonid Massine · Robert Helpmann · Robert Rounseville

Synopsis The Tales of Hoffmann (1951) is a cinematic adaptation of the renowned opera, but it transcends the typical film of a staged performance. Directors Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, along with the team at "The Archers," infuse their signature magic...

Direction Brett Sullivan · Simon Phillips

Cast Ben Lewis · Anna O'Byrne · Simon Gleeson · María Mercedes

Synopsis Love Never Dies (2012) is a captivating musical featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and later Charles Hart, and a book by Lloyd Webber, Slater, and Ben Elton. Serving as a continuation of Lloyd Webber's renowned...

Direction W.S. Van Dyke

Cast Clark Gable · Jeanette MacDonald · Spencer Tracy · Jack Holt

Synopsis San Francisco (1936) unfolds in the vibrant and tumultuous setting of early 20th-century San Francisco, beginning on New Year's Eve, 1906. The narrative revolves around the charismatic yet morally ambiguous political leader, Blackie Norton (Clark Gable), who hires the innocent...

Direction Robert Dornhelm

Cast Anna Netrebko · Rolando Villazón · Nicole Cabell · Tiziano Bracci

Synopsis La Bohème (2008) delves into the heart-wrenching tale of love between Mimí and Rodolfo, unfolding in the vibrant city of Paris during the year 1830. The narrative follows the passionate and tumultuous relationship between the two young lovers, set against...

Direction Philippe Kohly

Cast Maria Callas · Philippe Faure · Jean Cocteau · Giuseppe Di Stefano

Synopsis Callas assoluta (2007) is a poignant documentary that marks the 30th anniversary of the passing of the renowned soprano Maria Callas. The film delves into the life and legacy of the iconic opera singer, celebrating her extraordinary contributions to the...

Direction David Cronenberg

Cast Jeremy Irons · John Lone · Barbara Sukowa · Ian Richardson

Synopsis M. Butterfly (1993) unfolds in the tumultuous backdrop of 1960s China, where French diplomat Rene Gallimard becomes deeply enamored with the enchanting opera singer, Song Liling. However, Gallimard's infatuation is built on a foundation of deception, as Song Liling is...