This film is advertised as a biting satire, a romantic comedy, and a display of glorious operatic music. In fact, it is an old fashioned soap opera about "putting on a show." Yes, the acting is good. And there are indeed some telling observations on the difficulties of trade unions and nationalistic strains in contemporary Europe. But there is very, very little comedy, even less satire, and even less opera. Mostly the film is about the romance between a neurotic and unfaithful conductor and his even more neurotic soprano. We are supposed to care if they have a prolonged affair. There are plenty of tears, shouting, and angst.
In the end, the show is so incredibly wonderful (we get a few snippets of the music, just enough to infuriate all Wagnerites) that everyone hugs and kisses. End of film. In short, this is a lengthy waste of time. Unless, of course, you're into soap opera.
In the end, the show is so incredibly wonderful (we get a few snippets of the music, just enough to infuriate all Wagnerites) that everyone hugs and kisses. End of film. In short, this is a lengthy waste of time. Unless, of course, you're into soap opera.